Fleeing MM Export barge fined MVR 100m for reef damage

A barge belonging to India's MM Export, which ran aground while carrying rock boulders to Fuvahmulah for the coastal protection project in the island and left the country despite an investigation by the authorities, has been fined MVR 100 million.

The barge carrying rock boulders for the coastal protection project in the southern island-atoll of Fuvahmulah ran aground the island’s reef in July. 

However, the barge left Maldives amid an investigation by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). 

According to a statement issued by the EPA on Wednesday, the survey conducted to assess the damage caused to the reef showed that:

Under the environmental damage penalties and compensation rules, the amount of penalty compensation amounts to MVR 162 million, the EPA said.

However, the maximum amount of fine allowed under the Environmental Protection and Conservation Act is MVR 100 million. EPA concluded:

As part of the coastal protection project in Fuvahmulah, a 2,650-metre-long sea wall is being laid on the east side of Fuvahmulah.

Although Hogard executes the project, rock boulders are being supplied by MM Export.

It was the fifth time that an MM export vessel has run aground in Maldives.