about the maldives

The Madives is a low-lying island nation south-west of India. With over 90% of its territory covered in ocean, it is no surprise that fishing, next to tourism, is the biggest industry in the country. The Maldives archipelago comprises 1190 islands most of which are less than a square kilometer. The country is beautiful, unspoilt and full of natural freshness.

Fishing in the Maldives was until recently confined to the catch of skipjack tuna and reef fish. The fish caught were for local use and not exported overseas. However, now due to the high demand and exposure to foreign markets, yellowfins and merlins are now being exported to many countries worldwide. The government owned tuna canning factory has until recently been the only large scale tuna exporter.

Long-line fishing is now becoming the fastest growing business area in the Maldives. This is further made favorable due to the fact that the Maldives lies in a geographical location that is in line with the migratory patterns of the yellowfin, and the waters are nutrient rich and attractive for the fish.