Ministry warns penalties against trawling, trapping near sea buoys

Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has warned penalties against all types of fishing except for pole-and-line fishing near sea buoys in Maldivian waters.

Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture issued a statement last Sunday warning trapping and trawling is banned within three miles of sea buoys under the Regulation on Fisheries.

It said that the ministry had noticed an uptick in irregular activities by people engaged in sports fishing near sea buoys. And received multiple complaints over such irregular activities.

The ministry warned instigators of such irregular activities will be penalized by the Coastguard and Maldives Police Service.

Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture noted that trapping and trawling were destructive fishing methods which could result in damage aquatic habitats and ecosystems.

The State has 55 sea buoys in Maldivian waters, all maintained at high expense.