Bill Proposes Fines up to MVR 1 Million for Exporting Protected Fish Species

The government has submitted proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act, including provisions to impose fines of up to MVR 1 million for the catching or export of protected fish species.

The bill, sponsored by South Thinadhoo MP Mohamed Alsan Mohamed, was presented and read in Parliament yesterday.

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According to the proposed amendments, the legislation seeks to strengthen the administrative penalty system for fishing vessels found in violation of the Fisheries Act. The bill also aims to address challenges faced in enforcing existing fisheries regulations and proposes revisions to policies governing species permitted for fishing.

Under the bill, the catching of protected fish species would become a criminal offence. Fishing in protected areas and exporting protected fish species would also be criminalised, with fines ranging between MVR 500,000 and MVR 1 million for such offences.

The proposed amendments would grant the Ministry of Fisheries the authority to impose fines of up to MVR 400,000 on masters, owners or operators of fishing vessels for various violations. Other serious offences under the legislation could carry penalties ranging from MVR 200,000 to MVR 2 million.

The bill also includes provisions prohibiting damage to fisheries equipment and devices, with fines of MVR 200,000 proposed for those offences.

In cases involving companies or other legal entities, the legislation states that if an offence is committed with the approval of a director or senior official, both the organisation and the responsible individual may be held liable. Depending on the severity of the offence, penalties in such cases could range from MVR 100,000 to MVR 5 million.

Alsan stated that the amendments are intended to curb illegal fishing activities and strengthen the protection of the Maldives’ marine resources. He also described the proposed changes as an important measure to support the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector.

The bill additionally outlines procedures for the formulation and implementation of fisheries management plans.