Fair Trade Handline Tuna Maldives

As a migratory species, large schools of foraging Yellowfin Tuna have always been visiting the archipelago of the Maldives. Equipped with baited single-hook and lines, traditional fishermen catch this fast-swimming species near the shore.

Unlike industrial tuna fisheries, which catch tuna in the high seas, the local fishing fleet of the Maldives operates within the coastal zone only. Here, local fishermen catch Yellowfin Tuna with their traditional, wooden vessels, the Dhonis.

​ Single-hook handline is the most selective and lowest impact gear for catching large, adult tuna. This method of fishing leaves almost no by-catch, and certainly does not harm any endangered species such as turtle, sharks, dolphins and seabirds.

Handline tuna fishing requires experience, endurance and hard work. It means being in tune with the rhythm of life in our oceans, appreciating the efforts it takes to harvest wild and healthy seafood sustainably!

Traditional fishermen such as Ali Ibrahim are the stewards of our oceans. They are spearheading the transformation which needs to happen in global fisheries: Towards harvesting fish in balance with nature, restoring biodiversity and healthy stocks and putting communities first. Fair Trade helps us achieving this.

Climate change, rising sea levels, degraded coral reefs and dwindling stocks of tuna: Maldivian island communities face many challenges brought on them by the industrialized outside world. The Fair Trade program is mitigating some of these negative impacts and supports communities in becoming more resilient and self-sufficient.