The opportunity to host the official celebrations for this year's Fishermen's Day has been opened to islands across all atolls in the Maldives.
The Fisheries Ministry stated that the opportunity is now open for interested and eligible islands to submit their proposals to host the official Fishermen's Day celebrations. The Ministry noted that interested islands can submit their applications via the Government E-Letter Management System (GEMS) before 12:00 hrs on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
The Ministry has requested that anyone wishing to clarify any information regarding the "Application Form to Host the Official Celebrations of Fishermen's Day 2026" contact the Ministry's phone number at 3339274.
The Fisheries Ministry stated that priority will be given to fishing islands when selecting the host island for the official Fishermen's Day celebrations. In this regard, the Ministry noted that the criteria for considering an island as a fishing island will be based on the number of registered fishermen and fishing vessels on the island.
Factors considered when selecting the host island for the official Fishermen's Day celebrations include ensuring the island is not hosting another national-level day this year, and if the island has previously hosted Fishermen's Day, at least 5 years must have passed since the event. The level of interest shown by the island's residents in celebrating Fishermen's Day will also be evaluated. Furthermore, the Ministry stated that they will look at the infrastructural progress of the island, arrangements for welcoming visiting guests, accommodation arrangements for guests participating in the celebrations, and the specific proposals put forward by the island for celebrating Fishermen's Day.
Every year, December 10 is celebrated as Fishermen's Day. Fishermen's Day is celebrated at a national level to appreciate Maldivian fishermen and to encourage their work. This year will mark the 46th Fishermen's Day.
