Police have stated that they are investigating the issue of a police vessel operating near the FAD deployed north of Fuvahmulah, which is exclusively designated for pole-and-line fishing.
When Keyolha news contacted the police for a comment regarding the police vessel fishing near the Fuvahmulah FAD, Police Spokesperson Ahmed Shifan stated that police vessels are not fishing vessels, and that police would not fish at the FAD. Shifan added that they are investigating the matter following a video circulating today.
"Police will not fish at the island FAD. But it has happened. We are investigating how it occurred," Shifan said.
Island FADs are specially deployed for skipjack pole-and-line fishing. It is prohibited for other vessels to approach and fish at these FADs.
Here is state property being used to fish illegally at a FAD deployed for fishing east of Fuvahmulah. If you want to go sports fishing, go in private speedboats. pic.twitter.com/eBERamjhqA
— LoLoL (@MirzaagMV) September 13, 2024
Fishermen said it is hard to believe such an act from those who are supposed to uphold the law. They added that since the police are meant to protect and safeguard fishermen and other citizens, this is an unacceptable sight.
"This is how those meant to protect us behave. How will a permanent solution be brought at this rate? This is the question in all our hearts today," a fisherman said.
Regarding this issue, the Fisheries Minister stated that since other parties are fishing at the FADs, they are preparing to launch an awareness campaign.
"We will very soon launch a widespread awareness campaign on this," the Minister said.
The issue of other vessels approaching and fishing at island FADs established across the Maldives surfaces from time to time.
This issue is most frequently noted at the FADs in the Male' area. The issue of reef fishermen, safaris, and resort speedboats approaching those FADs has become very prominent.
