Thirty-two individuals, fishing vessels and companies were recognised for their exceptional contributions to the Maldives’ fisheries sector during the 45th National Fishermen’s Day celebrations.
The awards were presented at an official ceremony attended by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who honoured achievements made across both 2023 and 2024. Eighteen awards were issued for accomplishments in 2023, while fourteen awards were given for 2024.
The highest honour of 2024 — recognising a lifetime of service and transformative impact on the fisheries sector — was awarded posthumously to the late Hassan Sobir, a recipient of the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin. Sobir, who served the sector in numerous capacities from 1974 onward, is widely regarded as one of the Maldives’ fisheries pioneers.
2024 Fisheries Award Highlights
Honourees for 2024 reflected excellence across a wide spectrum of the industry, from reef and tuna fishing to processing, purchasing and export. Key awardees include:
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Experienced Fishing Sailor: Mohammed Anees (GA. Dhevvadhoo)
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Outstanding Young Fishing Sailor: Mohammed Afrah (R. Dhuvaafaru)
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Reef Fisherman: Adam Hassan (ADh. Mahibadhoo)
Skipjack Tuna Catch (Highest):
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1st – Mahaa Vidhuvaru (S. Hithadhoo)
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2nd – T.S. Line (GDh. Madaveli)
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3rd – Concord-2 (S. Maradhoo)
Yellowfin Tuna Catch (Highest):
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1st – Javaahiru (ADh. Omadhoo)
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2nd – Zoom Fisher (AA. Rasdhoo)
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3rd – Asurumaa (ADh. Mahibadhoo)
Companies Recognised:
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Highest Skipjack Purchases – Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company Ltd (MIFCO)
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Highest Yellowfin Purchases – Ensis Fisheries Pvt Ltd
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Highest Reef Fish Purchases – SeaPartners Maldives
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Highest Income in Processing & Export – Horizon Fisheries
2023 Fisheries Award Highlights
Awardees for 2023 similarly celebrated excellence across fishing, research, product development and industry partnerships. Notable recipients include:
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Experienced Fishing Sailor: Sham’oon Mohammed (GA. Villingili)
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Young Fishing Sailor: Abdullah Yamaan (L. Gan)
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Reef Fisherman: Safair Luthufee (F. Bileiydhoo)
Skipjack Tuna Catch (Highest):
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1st – T.S. Line (GDh. Madaveli)
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2nd – Handhuvaree (GA. Nilandhoo)
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3rd – Safeena (Malé)
Yellowfin Tuna Catch (Highest):
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1st – Zoom Fisher (AA. Rasdhoo)
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2nd – Haisam Boat (B. Thulhaadhoo)
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3rd – Asurumaa-3 (ADh. Mahibadhoo)
Fisheries Companies & Sector Contributors:
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Highest Skipjack Purchases – MIFCO
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Highest Yellowfin Purchases – Big Fish Maldives
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Highest Reef Fish Purchases – SeaPartners Maldives
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Highest Income in Processing & Export – Horizon Fisheries
Additional honours included:
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Outstanding Research in Mariculture: Hassan Shakeel (HDh. Vaikaradhoo)
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Valuable Service to the Fisheries Sector: Zahiyya Mohammed (AA. Ukulhas)
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Contribution to Fisheries Product Development: Sahreefa Idhrees (B. Thulhaadhoo)
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Revolutionary Industry Contribution: Yanmar
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International Cooperation Award: Government of Japan
Observed annually since 10 December 1981, Fishermen’s Day honours the central role of fisheries in Maldivian life. The sector remains a cornerstone of livelihoods, food security and national economic resilience.