Deadline extended for Fishermen's Day awards applications

The deadline to apply for the awards to be presented at the government's official Fishermen's Day ceremony this year has been extended.

While three awards are scheduled to be presented at this year's Fishermen's Day ceremony, the Ministry of Fisheries initially opened the opportunity to apply for these awards on the second of this month. The original deadline given to apply for the Experienced Skipper, Outstanding Young Skipper, and Outstanding Reef Fisherman awards was 14:00 on Thursday, 23 October 2025. The Ministry has not disclosed the number of individuals who applied for the awards within that period.

In an announcement published yesterday regarding the Fishermen's Day awards, the Ministry of Fisheries stated that the deadline to apply and submit nominations for the awards has now been extended to 12:00 on 9 November 2025. The awards open for nominations are:

• Experienced Skipper: The most experienced skipper currently actively engaged in fishing, and who does not do any other work to earn an income besides fishing. This award is open to skippers over 35 years of age.

• Outstanding Young Skipper: The most outstanding young skipper currently actively engaged in fishing, and who does not do any other work to earn an income besides fishing. This award is open to skippers under 35 years of age.

• Outstanding Reef Fisherman: An outstanding reef fisherman whose main income-generating activity is reef fishing.

There is an opportunity to apply for these awards in a personal capacity or to be nominated by another party. The Ministry of Fisheries stated that these awards are open to individuals belonging to North Maalhosmadulu Atoll (Raa Atoll). The Ministry has requested those who wish to apply for the awards to complete the application form and submit it to the Ministry of Fisheries before the extended deadline expires.

The Ministry has requested that the application form for the awards be sent to the Ministry's email address fisheriesmanagement@fisheries.gov.mv.

Every year, the 10th of December is celebrated as Fishermen's Day. Fishermen's Day is celebrated at a national level with the aim of appreciating Maldivian fishermen and encouraging their work. This year marks the 45th Fishermen's Day.