President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has officially ratified the Second Amendment to the Maldives Fisheries Act (Act No. 14/2019) during a special ceremony held today at the President's Office, introducing major financial penalties of up to MVR 1 million to deter the exploitation and export of protected marine species.
The bill was passed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during the 28th sitting of the 20th People's Majlis in its second session of the year. Following the presidential ratification, the amended legislation was published in the Government Gazette and has entered into immediate effect.
The primary objective of this amendment is to strengthen the mechanisms for taking administrative action against parties and fishing vessels operating unlawfully in Maldivian waters, govern permissible fishing in protected areas, establish principles for aquaculture operations, and outline regulations for the development and management of dedicated fisheries harbors, alongside other essential revisions required for enforcing the law.
Under the revised statute, administrative enforcement has been reinforced by establishing principles to hold foreign flag states accountable and setting stringent fines, including MVR 500,000 for catching protected marine species and up to MVR 1,000,000 for exporting them. The amendment also facilitates the establishment of recreational and sports fishing facilities and expands leasing procedures for aquaculture ventures. All accompanying regulations and operational guidelines must be formulated and published in the Government Gazette within 60 days of the law taking effect.
