Parliament Passes lFisheries Act Amendments to Criminalize Protected Species Fishing

The Maldivian Parliament has unanimously passed key amendments to the Fisheries Act, introducing stricter penalties and criminalizing the fishing of protected species to bolster marine conservation. Submitted by Thimarafushi South MP Mohamed Alsan Ahmed on behalf of the Government, the bill was approved by 59 members. The legislation, refined by the Committee on Economic Affairs, aims to resolve longstanding enforcement challenges and strengthen administrative actions against vessels operating in violation of the law. Under the new provisions, targeting protected fish species is now a criminal offense. The financial stakes for violators are significant, with fines for fishing protected species reaching approximately USD 32,425. Those found exporting such species face even steeper penalties, with fines totaling roughly USD 64,851. To balance conservation with economic viability, the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources now holds the authority to permit the fishing of additional species within Maldivian territorial waters. For these permissions to be valid, the Ministry must publicly gazette the specific species, the required procedures, and the applicable fees. Despite these permissions, the law maintains a strict ban on fishing within protected areas, unless the activity involves a specifically permitted species and adheres to prescribed rules. Any unauthorized activity in these zones will be treated as a prohibited offense. Beyond conservation, the amendments empower the Ministry to authorize the development of designated ports tailored for fisheries-related activities. The bill also establishes clear protocols for handling foreign vessels that violate Maldivian fisheries laws, with specific measures based on the vessel's country of origin. By refining the rules governing permitted fishing types and introducing heavy fines, the government seeks to create a more sustainable and enforceable framework for the nation's critical fishing industry.