The Ministry of Fisheries has said work is under way to establish 9,500 tonnes of additional cold storage capacity for fish across the Maldives by the end of this year.

State Minister Mohamed Muthalib said the country currently has around 9,000 tonnes of fish storage capacity, including storage on fishing vessels. He said storage shortages become particularly challenging during peak fishing seasons, when fishermen can catch 600–700 tonnes of fish a day.

He said a 4,000-tonne cold storage facility in L. Felivaru is expected to become operational by 10 December. Work is also progressing on a 4,000-tonne facility in GDh. Kuddoo and a 500-tonne facility in M. Mulaku, while work on a 1,000-tonne facility in HA. Atoll is expected to begin between September and October.

Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Minister Ahmed Shiyam said expanding fish storage facilities is currently one of the government’s key priorities for developing the fisheries sector.

He said the government is working to establish cold storage facilities with a combined capacity of 11,000 tonnes across seven islands.