President ratifies amendments to law enabling legal action against vessels operating illegally within Maldivian territorial waters
31 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޯމަ 18:26The recent amendments to the Fisheries Act will strengthen enforcement against vessels operating illegally in Maldivian waters while expanding opportunities for aquaculture and the development of specialized fishing ports. The bill further introduces comprehensive regulations for recreational fishing and revises the framework for penalties and fines imposed on violators. Following the enactment of these amendments, all necessary subsidiary regulations must be finalized within 60 days.
President signs second amendment to Maldives Fisheries Act into law. | Presidents Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the second amendment to the Maldives Fisheries Act (Law No. 14/2019), granting authorities the power to take legal action against vessels operating illegally within Maldivian waters. The President signed the bill into law during a special ceremony held at the President's Office on Monday.
The bill was passed during the 28th sitting of the second session of the 20th People's Majlis, held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The objective of this amendment is to strengthen the administrative framework for penalizing individuals and fishing vessels operating illegally within Maldivian waters. It further aims to define the regulations governing permitted fishing activities and aquaculture within protected areas, establish guidelines for the development and management of fishing ports, and introduce necessary legislative reforms to enhance overall enforcement.
With this amendment, opportunities will open up for the development and operation of specialized fishing harbors. These facilities will be designed to provide secure berthing for fishing vessels and offer dedicated services tailored to the industry. Furthermore, the amendment mandates that the relevant ministry establish regulations for the development and management of recreational and sport fishing activities, as well as their associated facilities. It also outlines expanded procedures for leasing areas for aquaculture and defines the regulatory framework governing such operations.
This bill establishes frameworks to hold flag states accountable when taking administrative action against foreign vessels engaged in illegal fishing within Maldivian waters. It will further strengthen the Ministry's enforcement protocols regarding fisheries laws and regulations. To this end, the legislation introduces amendments to the classification of offenses, as well as the corresponding penalties and fine structures for violators. The bill stipulates that all new regulations and procedures required under these amendments must be formulated and published in the Government Gazette within 60 (sixty) days of the Act coming into effect.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the second amendment to the Maldives Fisheries Act. Following its publication in the Government Gazette on Monday, the amendment has officially come into effect.
