Ensis Fisheries Private Limited has revealed it is currently working to store fish as exports have been suspended temporarily amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at a panel discussion organised by PSM News on the impact of COVID-19 on the fisheries sector, General Manager Hussain Afeef said the exports have been suspended due to lockdowns and restricted travel movement. Afeef said the Maldives is currently unable to export fish to Europe, despite being the major fish exporter to Europe. He further said Ensis is purchasing fish from fishermen and storing them in its facilities to be exported later.
The general manager of the largest fish processing company in the Maldives said Ensis is purchasing fish from around 350 vessels, as the company expects to export fish once the movements and exports resume. He added Ensis finds it challenging to purchase and store all fish from fishermen as fishing has improved in the country. He also said Ensis expects to benefit in the long run from storing huge amounts of fish in addition to allowing fishermen to continue fishing and earning a living, although the company will make a loss during the current situation.
Ensis is one of the largest fish exporters in the country. The company also runs a product line under the brand ENZI and produces canned tuna and other fish products.