The Maldivian tuna industry is the country’s second-largest after tourism. It is globally recognized for its 100% sustainable approach, which uses only “one-by-one” methods—poles and lines for skipjack and hand-held lines for yellowfin—which virtually eliminates the chance of unwanted fish being caught.
While modernization of the fishing industry has increased fish production, Maldivian fishermen’s tried and true fishing methods have helped keep their fisheries vibrant and thriving.
Skipjack tuna is one of the Maldives’ most important resources, according to a report by The Guardian. Not only does the fish provide a major food source for the population, it has also helped sustain the country’s economy for centuries. And the 1,000-year-old tradition of catching skipjack with poles and lines has helped keep it that way.
Ibrahim Hameed, a Maldivian boatman, has been fishing for skipjack tuna in the Indian Ocean for 30 years. This has given him extensive experience in some of the region’s best fishing methods, which have stood the test of time. Although the nature of fishing with poles and lines limits the amount of fish fishermen can catch in a day, this method is the backbone of the region’s sustainability.
Key features of the industry:
Traditional methods: The industry relies solely on fishing. Industrial methods such as purse seining are strictly prohibited in Maldivian waters.
Main species: Skipjack tuna accounts for about 75% of the total catch and is the staple food of the locals. The second most important species is yellowfin tuna, which is mainly caught for the fresh and frozen export market.
Economic impact: It supports the livelihoods of over 30,000 people, which is about 11%–20% of the total workforce. Tuna and fish products account for 97%–98% of the country’s total exports. Over 50,000 tonnes of MSC-certified skipjack are exported annually, with the main markets being Europe and North America.
Processing and key partners:
The industry has been modernised with significant processing and canning infrastructure for local value addition.
MIFCO (Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company): The main state-owned tuna processor and exporter, which operates the historic Felivaru Cannery.
Ensis Fisheries: The largest private exporter, which operates high-tech canning facilities and maintains sales offices worldwide.
Big Fish Maldives: A vertically integrated processor, known for its ultra-low temperature processing technology.
Current Challenges:
Climate change: Rising sea temperatures and coral bleaching are threatening the bait fish stocks that tuna fishermen depend on.
International competition: Maldivian fishermen compete against large-scale industrial fleets from other countries. High import tariffs in major markets such as the UK are also a significant barrier.
Workforce trends: Fewer young people are entering the profession due to the physical demands, leading to an ageing population among fishermen.
It is therefore understandable that the Maldivian tuna fishing industry is renowned for its sustainability. By fishing exclusively with the ‘pole and line’ method, it reduces unwanted catches to almost zero – whereas other fishing methods, such as large industrial nets and longlines, create high rates of unwanted catches. This means that only certain species of fish are caught and landed, which minimizes the industry’s impact on other species. Like everything else in sustainability, it’s a journey, not a destination.
