Maldives Allocates Amberfish Export Quotas to Seven Companies Under CITES Framework

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has officially published the list of eligible businesses awarded commercial export quotas for Amberfish sea cucumber (Thelenota anax, locally known as Kachchala).

Following the species’ listing under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), commercial trade is subject to strict regulatory caps. Under the newly enacted evaluation criteria, seven local enterprises met the necessary regulatory conditions, with each entity granted an individual export quota of 860 kilograms.

Approved Companies and Allocations

• Trend General International: 860 kg

• G.O.L. International: 860 kg

• Mewak International: 860 kg

• Wearmedia Systems: 860 kg

• Centre for International Development Project: 860 kg

• Flex Marine and Industrial Development Project: 860 kg

• Top Marine Development Project: 860 kg

Across all seven licensed operators, the Ministry has authorized a combined initial export volume of 6,020 kilograms (approximately 6.02 tonnes).

Scientific Backing and CITES Permitting

The quota distribution aligns with findings from the Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) study conducted by the nation’s designated CITES Scientific Authority, the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI). The assessment established an overarching sustainable export limit of 10.95 tonnes of dried Amberfish for a 12-month period running from September 20, 2026, through September 19, 2027.

Acting as the CITES Management Authority, the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy will issue the requisite statutory CITES export permits exclusively to these qualified entities in accordance with the allocated thresholds.