B. Keyodhoo Turtle Poachers Fines Reduced

MV+ News Desk | September 7, 2023
Photo: Maldives Underwater Initiative

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), today, has revised the fines imposed on seven individuals found guilty of turtle poaching in B. Keyodhoo, reducing the penalties to MVR 33,000 each.

The EPA’s involvement in this matter dates back to February of the previous year when they were alerted to the incident. 

The EPA identified the perpetrators as a group of seven men from Keyodhoo who were caught in the act of poaching six turtles and subsequently preparing the meat for consumption.

Following thorough investigations conducted by both the police and the EPA, all individuals involved were questioned and subsequently released. 

Subsequently, in June, based on the evidence gathered during these investigations, the EPA imposed a fine of MVR 198,000 on each person implicated in the turtle poaching. They were given a 30-day deadline to settle these fines.

However, as the deadline passed, the fines remained unpaid.

The EPA released a statement today revealing that the Environment Ministry had sought the advice of the Attorney General’s Office regarding a review of the fines in this particular case. 

The Attorney General’s Office advised that fines ranging from MVR 30,000 to MVR 50,000 could be appropriate for tampering with a natural or naturally protected entity.

Consequently, the fines imposed on the seven individuals have now been adjusted to MVR 33,000 per person. They are required to settle these revised fines within 30 days, starting from Wednesday, as per the EPA’s announcement.

It’s important to note that harming or killing turtles for the purpose of consuming their meat has been prohibited since 2016, with turtles enjoying full protection under the law. Furthermore, the sale of turtle eggs has been banned on 14 islands since 2006.

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