The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) has requested President Dr. Muizzu to protect the areas where fishermen catch bait.
The union made this request during a meeting with the President at the President's Office this morning. Members of the union's executive committee participated in the meeting, and the President gave them the opportunity to share their feelings and concerns.
During the meeting, BKMU members requested the protection of bait fishing areas, the provision of special buoys for yellowfin tuna fishing, and for the government to find a way to sell fish under a "floor price".
In addition, they shared the challenges faced due to the low income from fishing and the decrease in the number of people entering or associated with the fishing industry. They also shared their concerns regarding difficulties in weighing fish, obtaining hygiene certificates for vessels, and the inconvenience of the device currently used to monitor the location of fishing vessels.
During the meeting, BKMU members thanked the President for his decision not to implement the decision to open up longline fishing. They also noted that they are confident that the industry will progress if the current government implements the pledges in its manifesto to develop the fishing industry. They also gratefully noted the government's efforts to compile a fishermen's registry.
Speaking at today's meeting, the President said that the purpose of such a meeting is to carry out the government's affairs closely with the people and in the way the people want. He also noted that efforts are being made to implement the pledges in the manifesto, and that once these are completed, a comprehensive solution will be found for the fishing industry.
During today's meeting, the President, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, senior officials of the Ministry, and BKMU members discussed possible solutions to the concerns raised at the meeting. The President also said that he would work to find solutions to the issues raised by BKMU members at the meeting.
