Maldives fish market, a glimpse into the Maldivian lifestyle
The Maldives have made a name for themselves as an enchanting holiday destination with world-class sun, surf and sand. The Maldives contain powder-smooth beaches and sapphire waters that will enchant even the most jaded visitor, but the traveler wanting to experience the traditional way of life of the local Maldivians would do well to visit the Maldivian Fish Market.
The fish market located west of the Republic Square on the beachfront is always a remarkable sight for the visitor. The market is the main place of interaction for the sale of a wide variety of seafood and fresh local products.
The area bustles with activity, and the visitor will see a multitude of local wooden dhoni boats, sturdy vessels ideal for transport within the Maldives, unloading items such as dried fish, vegetables and fruit hauled in from the many Maldivian atolls. Meanwhile, the viewer will also see boats leaving loaded with everything from building materials to food. The visitor will notice the hand of modernity with the dhonis that have powerful engines and facilities such as GPS.
As the name suggests, the Maldives fish market is primarily a market for sea creatures and a staggering variety of sea dwellers can be seen in the market. Pride of place is taken by tuna, which is found abundantly in the waters of the Maldives. Activity at the fish market comes into its own in mid-afternoon when the fishing dhonis begin to arrive with their daily catch. In particular, most fishermen will have been at sea since or before dawn, fishing the waters for a living.
The visitor will see the fishing boats arrive at the inner port of Malé, which adjoins the fish market. The catch is brought onto the market’s tiled floor, and almost as soon as the fish is deposited, locals from all walks of life eagerly buy them.
Throughout the history of the Maldives, fishing has been the lifeblood of the Maldivian people. Even today, around 50% of the Maldivian workforce is engaged in the fishing business. Fish and other shellfish figure prominently in the Maldivian diet, with many dishes featuring the bounty of the seas.