Maldives Sets 11-Tonne Sea Cucumber Export Limit to Protect Marine Species

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has issued one-year export quotas for sea cucumber to seven licensed entities, marking a shift toward more regulated and sustainable fisheries management in the Maldives. This regulatory move follows the international listing of the amberfish sea cucumber under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The listing, agreed upon during the 19th Conference of the Parties in November 2022, officially took effect on May 25, 2024, after an 18-month preparatory window. Under CITES Appendix II regulations, international trade requires specialized permits. These permits are only granted after the exporting nation's scientific authority conducts a "Non-Detriment Finding" (NDF) to verify that harvesting does not threaten the species' survival. In the Maldives, the Maldives Marine Research Institute acted as the scientific authority to establish the biological boundaries and regulatory frameworks for the fishery. Based on these scientific findings, the government has capped the total annual export of dried sea cucumber at 10.95 tonnes for the next 12 months. To ensure a balanced approach, 55 percent of this total has been allocated to commercial exporters, while 45 percent remains in reserve for future distribution. Seven companies have been selected to receive an initial quota of 860 kilograms each: Ocean Tides International, SM Investment, Malak Investment, Vilingili Fish Village, Sky Go International Private Limited, Fames Group of Industry Private Limited, and Trade Bridge Private Investment. To maintain market efficiency, the Ministry introduced dynamic guidelines. Exporters who utilize at least 95 percent of their initial allocation can apply for an additional 1.5 tonnes from the reserve. Furthermore, licensed exporters are permitted to transfer all or part of their quota to other eligible parties, providing necessary flexibility in the commercial landscape.