Yellowfin tuna exports drop significantly!

Statistics from the Maldives Customs Service show that the volume of yellowfin tuna exported from the Maldives has decreased significantly.

According to the monthly import-export statistics published by Customs, the Maldives has traditionally exported raw fish and fish products in the highest quantities. Looking at the details of the types of fish exported, yellowfin tuna exports are declining.

Among yellowfin tuna products, the Maldives commonly exports yellowfin tuna. While 37 metric tonnes of yellowfin tuna were exported in February this year, 17 metric tonnes were exported in March. And in April, 9 metric tonnes of yellowfin tuna were exported.

Tuna exporting companies stated that exports have declined because yellowfin tuna fishing has been poor, and many yellowfin tuna fishing vessels are not going out to sea, resulting in insufficient supply for shipments. Furthermore, some companies expressed fear that yellowfin tuna supply has dropped to unprecedented levels, and that yellowfin tuna fishing in the Maldives could come to a halt.

Since fishing is one of the main industries that injects foreign currency into the domestic market, researchers say that a decline in yellowfin tuna exports will have a negative impact on the Maldivian economy.