Since fish is the primary component in Maldivian cuisine, fishing has always been an important part of the beloved Maldivian way of life. After being used for domestic purposes, any extra catch was either saved for future use or conserved for export. Whether made from the day’s fresh catch or from properly preserved tuna products, Maldivian mealtimes are usually enhanced with one or more delectable tuna dishes.
The first industrial-scale value addition in the Maldives began in 1979 when the government of the country built a cannery with Japanese funding to add economic value to the catch. In order to minimize the export of raw materials, the fish gathering operation was then shifted toward processing.
The Maldives’ fisheries are strongly family-based since fishing has historically been associated with strong family values. Each member of the crew receives an equal portion of the fishing revenue, which is a direct reflection of the total amount of catch they bring in.
The ancient pole-and-line approach is an innate way of living in balance with the environment for a nation of artisanal fisherman. A sincere dedication to sustainable fishing and responsible stock protection is embodied in the One Man, One Line, One Fish concept. By drastically lowering bycatch, this technique also aids in the protection of other marine creatures, such as seabirds, sharks, turtles, and dolphins.
To establish global leadership in sustainable pole & line fisheries
To preserve and protect the environmentally sustainable pole & line fishing heritage of the Maldives and our island livelihoods for future generations.
Felivaru Fisheries Complex (FFC)
MDV 001Kanduoiygiri Fish Village
MDV 003Kooddoo Fisheries Complex (KFC)
MDV 002Addu Fisheries Complex (AFC)
MDV 023MIFCO conducts nationwide fish collection operations and maintains the largest collection and processing capacity in the Maldives. The company operates three major collection centers located in the northern and southern regions, all centers equipped with EU-approved processing facilities for canning and freezing.
Fish collection is further supported by a fleet of collector vessels and mother vessels, enabling efficient operations that help fishermen save both fuel and time. MIFCO also operates ice plants in key fishing areas, ensuring fishermen have easy access to ice to maintain fish quality throughout their trips.
With the newest centralized collection center (AFC) is operating in the southernmost fishing region of the Maldives, customers can be assured of a consistent and reliable supply of raw material for export, local value-addition, and canning.