Stickers being placed on cargo vessels illegally moored in the zone designated for fishing vessels

Male' City Council has begun placing stickers on vessels illegally moored in the lagoon area on the north side of Male' designated specifically for fishing vessels.

The City Council stated that it has decided to place stickers on cargo vessels illegally docked in the area designated for fishermen, and has informed the vessels that the sticker placement will commence from yesterday.

The City Council made this decision at a time when NGOs advocating for fishermen's rights have been expressing concern over the difficulty fishing boats face in finding space to dock after returning from fishing, as the area designated for fishing vessels is constantly filled with cargo vessels.

Earlier this month, the City Council ordered the removal of vessels moored in various parts of the lagoon for long periods without traveling, lacking a responsible party to look after them, and vessels without any registration numbers, in violation of the regulations on managing the lagoons of Male' and Villingili. The City Council stated at the time that the order was issued due to complaints that these vessels were causing significant difficulties for parties using the lagoon with proper permits in accordance with the lagoon regulations.