Bill seeks MVR 500,000 fine for catching protected fish species
The bill also seeks to establish regulations governing the imposition of fines.
A bill has been introduced in the People’s Majlis proposing fines of up to MVR 500,000 for catching protected fish species and fishing within protected areas.
The preliminary reading of the bill to amend the People's Majlis Fisheries Act was held on Wednesday. The proposed legislation contains 23 amendments.
One of the main changes concerns penalties for offences currently covered under a clause relating to breaches of regulations made under the Act.
At present, offences under that provision carry a maximum fine of MVR 5,000.
The bill was submitted on behalf of the government by Mohamed Alsane Ahmed, a member of the ruling People's National Congress (PNC).
Under the proposed amendments:
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Catching a protected species of fish, or carrying out any form of fishing in a protected area, would carry a fine of up to MVR 500,000.
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Exporting or attempting to export a protected species of fish would carry a fine of up to MVR 1 million.
The bill also seeks to establish regulations governing the imposition of fines.
According to the proposal, the regulations must set out procedures for determining penalties and factors to be considered when scaling fines according to the seriousness of the offence.
In assessing penalties, authorities would be required to consider the gravity of the breach and its impact on protected areas, natural features, objects and the environment.
