The Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has announced that they are looking for parties to conduct multibeam bathymetric surveys of zones in Vaavu Atoll where grouper fishing is prohibited.
Deadlines for submitting documents relevant to proposals is 2nd April, and the ministry will judge them based on experience, period available for service, and price.
The zone in Vaavu Atoll is called the Farukolhu Kanduolhi, after the Dhivehi term for areas with larger reef passes. Similar reserves for grouper fish exist in Kaafu, Lhaviyani, Meemu, and Dhaalu atolls.
Maldives has been exporting grouper fish and products made from them since 1990, and dwindling numbers caused the government in 2012 to set a management plan.
The existing plan was officially put in place in 2013. Fishing vessels and crew found to be involved fishing in waters where grouper fish are protected face hefty fines and other penalties.
Currently, fishing in the Maldives require a license, that can temporarily be suspended if found fishing in such a zone. Such unlawful fishing can also result in crews being fined by MVR 10,000 (about USD 650).
