Govt concerned over unauthorised marine studies
In case of violation of the conditions of permission, MVR 10,000 will be charged for the first time.
By
Fathmath Ahmed Shareef
Fisheries ministry on Thursday issued an advisory not to conduct marine studies in the Maldivian waters without obtaining prior permission.
In an announcement, the ministry said that some studies on the sea and marine life as well as fisheries and fish stock are being carried out in the country's territorial waters without obtaining necessary permission under relevant regulations.
In some cases, they applied for the permission but began the study before the ministry issued the permit, it said.
The ministry, however, did not say which studies were being carried out illegally or where.
The notification said that approval must be be obtained through the ministry's research portal.
According to the relevant regulations:
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Those who wish to undertake studies of the country's seas, marine life, fisheries and fish stock should apply to the ministry for permission at least two months prior to the date of commencement of the study
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Such research or investigation without valid permission is prohibited
The regulations allow the ministry to take several action those that carry out such unauthorised studies, including:
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If a fishing licensed vessel has been used for illegal research, the owner, the operator or even the captain could be fined
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In case of violation of the conditions of permission, MVR 10,000 will be charged for the first time
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In case of a second violation of the conditions of permission, MVR 100,000 may be fined
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MVR 150,000 fine for repeated violations and the permit could be revoked
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Ban participation or conducting studies in the Maldives for a specific period of time
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In case of any violation of rules or any condition of permission, the amount of damage caused due to the violation can be calculated and a fine can be levied on the same amount
