The issue of other types of vessels approaching the Fish Aggregating Device (red buoy) specifically deployed for pole-and-line fishing in the Male' area has become a major problem.
Skippers and vessel owners in the Male' area who spoke to 'Keyolha' said they are deeply concerned because other vessels are approaching the FAD—commonly referred to by fishermen as the "Shiny Buoy"—located 15 miles off Male', which is specifically designated for pole-and-line fishing, causing disruptions to their operations.
"Pole-and-line fishermen burn a lot of fuel to catch bait and travel all the way to the buoy. When we arrive, the area around the buoy is crowded with other vessels. Safari boats, resort vessels, reef fishing boats, and sports fishing boats are all there. Sometimes there are even unidentified boats. This is a matter of great concern for us," a skipper said.
The skippers clarified that they are not complaining because these vessels are catching fish near the buoy, but rather because they crowd the area right when pole-and-line vessels need to approach it.
"They should be able to fish too. This is everyone's livelihood. But there is a reason a specific buoy is designated for us. We fish in a specific way, with a certain discipline. They are jigging or trolling with lines. Sometimes, the underwater lights of speedboats anchored there since dawn are left on. There are many such disturbances. Because of this, it is very difficult for us," a skipper explained.
The skippers urged relevant authorities to stop this practice and appealed to the disruptive parties to cease their actions. (Watch the video for details)
One skipper mentioned that this message had been shared directly with Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam. However, the Minister has not said anything regarding the matter so far. The skippers also noted that the Minister does not maintain any close relationship with the fishermen.
"Whether it's about this issue or other matters, when we call or message the Minister, there is no reply. He goes to various places and claims to be very close to fishermen. That is a complete lie. He does not maintain the kind of relationship previous ministers had with us. Even if Shainee, Zaha, or Hussain couldn't find an immediate solution to a problem, they maintained ties with fishermen and listened to them. They closely shared their efforts with the fishermen. All skippers will testify to this. Now, it's not even close to that. The Ministry's affairs are just the same," a skipper said.
Skippers noted that the Ministry had previously been made aware of the issue of trolling lines getting tangled and damaged near the Male' buoy, emphasizing that this harms pole-and-line fishing. Therefore, skippers highlight this as an issue that the Ministry and other relevant agencies must pay attention to and resolve.
"There is a Marine Police. There is a Coast Guard. Surely they can see this. If a boat approaches Aarah, the police immediately go and intercept it. Why can't they monitor and take action against other vessels approaching this buoy (Male' area buoy) as well? This has become a very troublesome issue for us now. We are very concerned. The fishing industry is being ruined because of them," a skipper said.
Skippers added that, in addition to the Male' area buoy, other vessels occasionally approach and fish at the other three buoys specifically deployed for pole-and-line fishing in Kaafu Atoll. However, the most disruptive crowding occurs at the Male' buoy.
