Skippers in the Male' region have called for an end to the operations of vessels that obtain fishing licenses from the Fisheries Ministry but engage in supplying goods to the atolls instead of fishing.
Speaking to "Keyolha", skippers from the Male' region stated that the government provides numerous benefits, such as fuel subsidies, to vessels issued with fishing licenses. However, the skippers noted that it is unacceptable for some vessels to receive all these benefits and exploit them unfairly. They highlighted this as an issue that the Fisheries Ministry must properly regulate and stop.
The Male' atoll skippers explained that in 2023 and early 2024, delays in receiving payments for fish weighed to MIFCO caused livelihood difficulties, leading some vessels to convert into supply boats to earn an income. However, they stated that this excuse is no longer valid, as payments for fish sold to MIFCO are now received regularly.
"If a vessel is operating as a supply boat, they should do so without obtaining a fishing license. We have no issue with that. But it is very problematic when they do such things while holding a fishing license. It looks bad on us too. Some vessels do not go fishing at all now. The Fisheries Ministry must inspect the vessels doing this and take action. This must be stopped," a Male' skipper said.
The skipper mentioned that one of the biggest difficulties is that such vessels illegally use the area specifically designated for fishing vessels at the Male' North Harbour. Since these vessels hold fishing licenses, they dock in that area to load and unload goods, causing a lack of space for fishing vessels returning from sea that need to dock there.
"During Ramadan, most fishing vessels in this atoll will return from sea at almost the same time. When we try to dock after returning from fishing, these mentioned vessels are docked there loading goods. We have no issue if they earn an income by transporting goods. But if they are loading goods and operating like a supply boat, they should use the area designated for that without bothering us. Using the name of fishermen to act illegally is unacceptable. The government must revoke the licenses given to such boats," another skipper from the Male' region said.
The skippers from the Male' region stated that although a specific area is designated for fishing vessels at the Male' North Harbour, fishing vessels are currently unable to utilize the area optimally. The reason is the misuse of the area by boats providing goods transportation services with fishing licenses and other goods supply vessels. Therefore, the skippers expressed that their greatest desire is for the City Council, Marine Police, and the Fisheries Ministry to collaborate, investigate these matters, and take swift action.
