FISHING

Fishing is the second largest industry in the Maldives after Tourism. It is also the favorite pastime of the locals. Some locals use a fishing rod to catch fish near the coast. Others go deeper into the sea looking for bigger fish. Fishing nets are sometimes used near the shore but not in the deep sea. The most popular fish is the Tuna and they use a pole and line to catch them. There are different types of tuna. There is a tuna canning factory in Felivaru. Their canned tuna is available in the local shops and is bought by both locals and expatriates. Since it is already cooked it is easy to prepare a dish with it. Canned tuna is also exported.

Some locals go diving for sea cucumber which is exported to Japan. It is a dangerous occupation but the divers make a lot of money. Sea cucumber is expensive in Japan. Sharks are also caught. They export shark fins. In some parts of Asia there is a big demand for shark fins. I once had fried shark and toddy at Raa Meedhoo with my friends. I did not like the fried shark. Toddy was available at a local’s house. I think he sold it without realizing that it was alcoholic.

Fisheries Science is an important subject in the Maldivian Schools. I saw a large live octopus at one fisheries science exhibition in Raa Meedhoo. Some students had caught it. They told me that they will eat it after the exhibition. Locals go for night fishing with a light attached to the side of their boat. The fishes are attracted to the light and get caught. Some locals dive for fish at night. They stun the fish with an underwater light and spear it. Turtle is protected and so it is not caught.

Fishermen use boats called dhoni’s. There are small and large dhoni’s. The larger ones spend several days in the deep sea catching fish and usually have cold storage facility. The boats are built locally using wood. There are skilled and talented boat builders in the Maldives.