Life on a Maldivian Fishing Island

Fishing has long been the backbone of Maldivian life. While modern tourism often dominates the spotlight, it is the fishing islands – with their traditions, rhythms, and close ties to the sea – that reveal the true heart of the Maldives.

A Community Shaped by the Sea

On a fishing island, the day begins before sunrise. Men ready their dhoanis – the iconic Maldivian boats – while women prepare food and bait for the trip. Children grow up playing by the shore and learning the skills of their fathers and grandfathers, ensuring the knowledge of the sea passes down through generations.

Tuna – The National Pride

The Maldives is world-renowned for its pole-and-line tuna fishing, a method both sustainable and deeply cultural. Tuna is the nation’s staple food and also its main export. On many islands, you’ll see fresh catches cleaned and dried in the open air, with every household sharing in the bounty.

The Role of Women

While men go to sea, women remain central to the fishing economy. They prepare bait, process tuna into products like rihaakuru (a thick fish paste), and manage trade in local markets. Their contributions ensure fishing sustains both households and the island community as a whole.

Rhythms of Island Life

Fishing is more than an occupation – it’s part of identity. Islanders gather to celebrate good catches, share meals, and pass down folk songs and stories. The beat of boduberu drums often echoes during festivities, blending music, culture, and pride in a way of life inseparable from the ocean.

Challenges and Change

Today, fishing islands face new challenges: climate change, shifting tuna stocks, and younger generations leaving for opportunities in tourism and the capital. Yet many communities continue to adapt, focusing on sustainability and reminding the world that Maldivians have always been custodians of the sea.

Preserving an Ocean Heritage

Life on a Maldivian fishing island is not only about survival, but about harmony with the ocean. As the Maldives modernises, these islands stand as a reminder of traditions that continue to shape the nation – stories of resilience, unity, and respect for the sea.