MALE', Maldives — In a major step toward sustainable trade and regulatory compliance, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has called on sea cucumber exporters to obtain their processing licenses before August 20, 2026.
The mandate applies to all operators in the sea cucumber export trade who have not yet secured an official processing license. Applications must be submitted online through the Ministry’s Keyolhu Portal (keyolhumv).
The regulatory push follows the inclusion of Amberfish (Thelenota anax / Kachchala), a key sea cucumber species harvested in the Maldives, under Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) during its 2022 conference. The decision was prompted by mounting scientific evidence of declining global populations.
Under CITES Appendix II rules:
Export Permits Required: Species listed under Appendix II can only be exported with explicit permission from the host country’s CITES Management Authority.
Non-Detriment Findings (NDF): Approvals depend on a formal NDF assessment conducted by the national CITES Scientific Authority, confirming that harvest levels do not threaten the species' survival or marine ecosystem.
As the designated CITES Scientific Authority in the Maldives, the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) completed the NDF for Amberfish and set maximum sustainable export thresholds.
The Ministry is finalizing a structured allocation framework to distribute these export quotas fairly among processing license holders who have actively exported sea cucumber over the past three years. Unlicensed operators must register promptly to participate in the regulated export framework.
This initiative forms part of the administration's broader agenda under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to modernize, structure, and sustainably expand the Maldivian fisheries sector.
RequirementDetails
Deadline: August 20, 2026
Application Portal: Keyolhu Portal (keyolhumv)
Information Helpline: +960 3322625
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