Fishing Offenses & Infractions

General Fishing Regulation of the Maldives (R75/2020)

Does the law/regulation contain any provisions prohibiting the targeting of marine mammals?

  • Schedule 2

    PDF (page 16)Source URL

    Prohibited types of fish for taking, catching, harvesting and killing in the maritime zones of the Maldives

    1. Cetaceans

Does the law/regulation contain any provisions related to fish aggregating devices?

  • Chart that begins on page 6 titled "Placement of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) and managing the use of FADs for fishing"

    PDF (pages 6-7)Source URL

    (a) Placement of any type of FADs within the maritime zones of the Maldives for the purposes of fishery may only be done by the Ministry or a party designated by the Ministry. (b) A list of FADs placed by the Ministry (including its position and other information) pursuant to Subsection (a) herein, shall be published and kept up-to-date on the website of the Ministry.

    1. It is prohibited to damage or remove any part of or bring any alterations to a FAD placed pursuant to Section 20 (a) herein.

    2. (a) It is prohibited to conduct any form of fishing other than the pole-and-line fishing typically done by Maldivians, within 3 (Three) miles from any FAD placed by the Ministry. (b) It is prohibited to carry out the following activities within 3 (Three) miles of an FAD placed by the Ministry, as stipulated in Subsection (a) herein. (1) Drop live bait; (2) Trolling; (3) Use of samoan silverside as bait; (4) Tying the boat to the buoy of FADs; (5) Any act that may harm FAD aided fishery; (6) Scuba diving .

Does the law/regulation contain any provisions related to shark fishing and finning?

The Fisheries Act of the Maldives No. 14/2019

Does this country's legislation require compliance with "international conservation and management measures" adopted by an RFMO in which it is a member?

  • Article 2(5)

    PDF (page 1)Source URL

    The principal objective of this Act are as follows: ----- to develop a legal framework to enforce state obligations pursuant to international conventions participated by the Republic of Maldives in respect of fishing and fisheries.

Does the law/regulation contain any provisions related to harmful fishing methods and the sale of fish caught using such methods?

  • Article 27

    PDF (page 14)Source URL

    The following types of fishing are prohibited in the maritime zones of the Maldives. (a) Purse seine fishing; (b) Gillnet fishing; (c) Trawl net fishing; (d) Fishing using a net with the exception of bait fishing and fishing for personal consumption; (e) Fishing using an explosive, poison or such other chemical.