President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified amendments to the Fisheries Act, introducing tougher penalties for catching and exporting protected species while giving the government greater flexibility to permit additional types of fishing in Maldivian waters.
The government-sponsored amendments were unanimously approved by the People’s Majlis on August 26 before being ratified by the President.
Among the most significant changes is a MVR 500,000 fine for fishing protected species, while exporting a protected species can result in a fine of up to MVR 1 million.
The amendments strengthen the legal framework governing protected marine species by explicitly establishing their capture as an offence. Fishing within protected areas also remains prohibited unless an activity has been specifically permitted in accordance with established rules.
At the same time, the legislation gives the Ministry of Fisheries greater authority to allow fishing for additional species within Maldivian waters.
When a new type of fishery is permitted, the Ministry will be required to publish the decision in the Government Gazette together with the applicable conditions, regulations and fees.
The provision creates a formal mechanism through which additional fisheries can be opened while allowing authorities to establish specific requirements governing how those resources are harvested.
The amendments also revise procedures for taking administrative action against vessels and individuals found operating in violation of fisheries laws.
According to the government, some of the changes are intended to address practical difficulties encountered by authorities when enforcing the existing legislation and to provide clearer procedures for dealing with violations.
Specific provisions have also been introduced concerning foreign fishing vessels subject to administrative action, including procedures that take into account the vessel’s flag state.
The Fisheries Ministry will additionally have the authority to permit the development of designated ports for fisheries-related activities, providing a legal basis for specialised facilities supporting the sector.
Penalties for several other fisheries offences have also been revised under the amendments as part of the broader strengthening of enforcement provisions.
Fisheries remain one of the Maldives’ most important economic sectors outside tourism and a major source of employment and export earnings. The country’s fishing industry has traditionally been centred on tuna, with pole-and-line fishing forming a prominent part of the Maldives’ fishing heritage and international positioning of its seafood industry.
At the same time, the Maldives’ extensive marine environment supports a wide variety of species, making fisheries regulation closely linked with marine conservation and the sustainable management of ocean resources.
The government has sought to expand economic opportunities within the fisheries sector while maintaining controls over protected species and environmentally sensitive areas.
The latest amendments attempt to address both areas by allowing the Ministry to authorise additional fisheries under regulated conditions while introducing substantial penalties for activities involving species afforded legal protection.
The changes also strengthen the government’s ability to act against vessels and operators that breach fisheries regulations, including foreign vessels operating in circumstances that fall under Maldivian jurisdiction.
