Kanduoiygiri Facility, Dedicated to Yellowfin Tuna Fishery, Handed Over to MNDF

The Kanduoiygiri facility, previously operated by the Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO), has been handed over to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).

Speaking at a press conference organized by the Fisheries Ministry and held today at the Seneco Hall of Voice of Maldives, the Fisheries Minister stated that the island was dedicated to the yellowfin tuna fishery, with development work carried out to provide solutions to the challenges faced by the sector. However, he noted that on August 4, Kanduoiygiri was handed over for MNDF's use.

"Kanduoiygiri has now been transferred to MNDF. As you know, efforts have been underway to find solutions to the challenges in the yellowfin tuna fishery. However, despite these efforts over a long period, the lack of a viable solution at Kanduoiygiri is, God willing, coming to an end. A significant amount of money was spent. Yet, the Kanduoiygiri harbor did not become a satisfactory solution for fishermen, specifically yellowfin tuna fishermen," the Minister said.

The Minister stated that with this change, discussions are ongoing through HDC to allocate space at the Hulhumale' harbor in a way that resolves the issues faced by yellowfin tuna fishermen.

"This is a very important change, especially for those engaged in the yellowfin tuna fishery, and it addresses a major challenge currently facing the fishing industry. In reality, with the involvement of those in the yellowfin tuna fishery, this environment will undoubtedly become a better setting for small business owners and those who pack and export yellowfin tuna," the Minister said.

The Minister added that the establishment of a yellowfin tuna processing facility in Hulhumale' will also reduce the expenses incurred by those engaged in the yellowfin tuna fishery.