The government has allocated MVR 30 million in additional support for fishermen, according to reports from local media.
The funds are intended to help operators cope with higher fuel and operational costs as well as variability in catch volumes. Fisheries remain a vital livelihood for many island communities and a significant source of non-tourism export earnings.
Previous support measures have included fuel subsidies, ice-plant upgrades and matching grants under the Aaruveri scheme. Officials have not yet detailed the exact disbursement mechanism or eligibility criteria for the new allocation.
Industry associations have welcomed the announcement while calling for timely release of the funds and complementary measures to improve market access and value addition.