Sustainable Tuna

The Maldivian Skipjack Industry, a 100% pole and line process, is the dominant economic fishery activity in the country, and is also recognized as one of the most environmentally sustainable skipjack fisheries in the world supplying many international food chains.

Maldives tuna tins in UK supermarkets

Felivaru was the first tuna cannery in the Maldives, established in 1977. It has been expanding ever since, but still cannot meet the rising international demands for sustainable Maldives tuna as there just is not enough fish. The Maldives pole and line fishery, according to Green Peace, is “one of the best-known examples of a successful coastal state-run tuna fishing operation“. However the fishery is under immense pressure from international purse seiners who target the tuna as they migrate out of Maldives waters. The positioning of high tech fish aggregating devices (FADS) on the edge of Maldives EEZ by international purse seiners is disrupting migration patterns and putting further pressure on Maldives stocks.

Green Peace declares pole and line as a successful and
sustainable fishing method

Since time immemorial, the method of fishing employed in the Maldives has been the pole and line method. Traditionally, the fishermen set out at dawn in search of bait fish, which are caught and kept alive in a specially prepared compartment of the dhoni. Eight or nine men do the actual fishing, using short poles with a line, and hook. It is a highly selective and sustainable fishing method with no bycatch. Net fishing in Maldives is in fact banned, other than for bait fishing in lagoons.

Traditional bait fishing net -the only nets permitted in Maldives

Throwing the live bait to attract the tuna

 Soneva Fushi’s Executive Chef, F&B Coordinator, Purchasing Manager, Marine Biologist and Guest Relations Manager visited the Felivaru Cannery to begin a supply of sustainably sourced, local tuna.  Upon the visit, we were presented with a wealth of sustainable and organic products that they produce in addition to tuna. Our hosts our currently building on this relationship and are looking at purchasing not only sustainable tinned tuna, but also a range of exciting traditional Maldivian products that are fully sustainable and organic.    

Guest Relations Manager Abulhi and Purchasing Manager
Rajesh trying out a whole range of organic products

Executive Chef Bjorn trying Kuhli Roshi
- traditional Maldivian waffles

www.felivaru.com