The Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) has increased the amount of fish purchased by fishermen in 2023 compared to 2022.
Statistics published by MIFCO show that 30,425 metric tonnes (MT) of fish were caught from January 1 to May 5 this year which is a 21% increase compared to the 25,178MT caught last year. The statistics showed that Kooddoo Fisheries Complex received the highest amount of fish with a total of 22,923MT this year, which is a 19% increase compared to the 19,198MT last year. The second highest is Felivaru Fisheries Complex with 3,821MT, which is a 10% increase compared to the 3.483MT last year. Addu Fisheries Complex caught 3,681MT, which is a 47% increase compared to the 2,498 last year.
Furthermore, the statistics also showed that MIFCO disbursed USD32.7 million to fishermen from January 1 to May 5, which is a significant increase compared to USD 26.2 million during the same period last year. The largest amount was disbursed to fishermen by Kooddoo Fisheries Complex.
Meanwhile, MIFCO also plans to bring the fish processing facility in Funaddu, Thaa Atoll, to operation after securing funds. It stated that USD15 million is needed for the project, which includes USD6 million needed to renovate the facility and USD9 million needed to develop the harbour.