The Fishermen’s Bill, which seeks to regulate the local fishing industry, has been withdrawn.

The bill was proposed by Alifushi MP Mohamed Rasheed Hussain on behalf of the government.

The bill has faced public criticism for requiring parties to seek the ministry’s permission before pursuing any recreational fishing.

After withdrawing the bill, MP Hussain said that he plans to make amendments in accordance with the public as he does not wish to propose any bill that hinders fishermen.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, Fisheries Minister Zaha Waheed said that she will meet with the Attorney General to discuss making the necessary amendments.

Currently, parties need to get a license if they aim to export their catch but no license is required if they wish to sell it locally. However, the bill proposes that parties also seek a license before selling their catch in the Maldives market.

The current Fishermen’s Act is now 31 years old and dictates the fines to be issued for illegal fishing, but the bill has not set any fines.

The bill will allow the ministry to take fees before granting permission for any recreational or competitive fishing and the parties will only receive the permission for 14 days.