Fee taken for fishing license lowered

Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture has lowered the fee taken for a fishing license.

This change is in line with the Fisheries Act of Maldives.

As per it, vessels smaller than 49 feet that engage in pole and line for skipjack tuna fishing or fish yellowfin tuna with handline have to pay an annual fee of MVR 500. If the vessel is larger than 49 feet, MVR 1,500 is taken as a fee per year.

Additionally, vessels smaller than 49 feet that engage in both types of fishing will be asked to pay an annual fee of MVR 500, while those bigger than are charged MVR 1,800.

Previously, the feel taken from vessels larger than 85 feet, that do pole and line fishing for skipjack tuna had to pay MVR 3,600. Meanwhile, vessels smaller than 85 feet that engage in handline fishing for yellowfin tuna are charged MVR 1,800.

The changes under the new regulation have lowered charges for other types of fishing as well.