Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Limited (MIFCO) states the fisheries development projects planned by the government for the southern atolls will begin very soon.
Speaking to PSM News, CEO of MIFCO Ismail Fauzee highlighted the projects lined up for fisheries development in the southern atolls. As such, Fauzee noted the expansion of the Kooddoo Fisheries Complex in Kooddoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll will be announced for tender before the end of Ramadan, He noted the project involves developing a 4000MT cold storage in addition to the existing 2000MT cold storage in Kooddoo, and developing the harbour facilities to increase its purchasing capacity.
Furthermore, Fauzee stated new fisheries complexes are to be developed in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Mulah, Meemu Atoll, with 1000MT and 500MT cold storages respectively. He added the development of facilities in Felivaru, Kooddoo and Kanduoiy’giri, along with the new developments in Thinadhoo and Mulah will increase the fish purchasing capacity of MIFCO by 61%.
During the ongoing high fishing season, MIFCO has been placing temporary controls on the purchase of fish from each vessel at Kooddoo, due to limited freezing capacity. This has led to concerns from local fishermen over the large wastage of fish caught by vessels.