President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the amendments to the Fisheries Act. The amendments were passed by the People’s Majlis on the 26th of this month, with the unanimous approval of all members present at the session.
Under these amendments, the regulatory framework for taking administrative action against those operating in violation of the law has been strengthened, as have the procedures for designating permitted categories of fishing. The fishing of protected species has been established as a criminal offence, carrying a fine of MVR 500,000. The export of a protected species shall be subject to a fine not exceeding MVR 1 million.
Furthermore, unauthorized fishing in protected areas has been prohibited, while the Ministry has been granted authority to permit additional categories of fishing within the Maldivian maritime zone. It has also been stipulated that permitted categories must be published in the Gazette, along with the applicable conditions and fees. The amendments additionally include provisions governing the handling of foreign vessels operating in violation of the law, as well as the granting of authority to the Ministry to develop dedicated fishing harbours.
