Authorities on Tuesday banned those without permission from gutting fish at the local fish market in capital city Male’.

A notice issued by the Ocean Empower International, which operates the fish market, states that those without permission are banned from gutting and selling fish in the area.

The notice states that the Ministry of Health had ordered the company to make the changes.

A special area is set out for gutting fish at the local market. While one has to pay to gut fish there, some fishermen and fish sellers do their gutting in other areas. Some have complained that this has made the premises unsanitary and unhygienic.