Reef Damage | Atoll Times

Reef Damage

‘No action against businesses avoiding environmental fines’

The committee found that cases against shipowners and their agents were being filed together, leading to complications in court.

26 February 2025

EPA proposes to penalise run aground local vessels

Lack of an appropriate budget is one of the biggest problems facing the EPA, the agency's Director General Naeem said.

Hottest oceans in 400 years endanger Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is not currently on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites that are in danger, though the UN recommends it should be added.

EPA slaps MVR 20 million fine on aground tugboat

The survey was conducted in conjunction with surveyors appointed by the owners of the vessels.

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Barge with rock boulders runs aground in Fuvahmulah

The barge is currently being salvaged, the council said.

Afcons submits own survey report; talks underway

Atoll Times has affirmed that Afcons has completed their own survey and shared the report with the EPA.

8 November 2022

MM Export barges damage reefs; no meaningful action

EPA said some cases have already been sent to the Attorney General's Office for prosecution.

Govt takes Indian company to court over overdue MVR 100m fine

EPA's decision was challenged by the vessel owners with the minister.

Barge fined MVR 100m for running aground off Dhidhdhoo

"The investigation revealed that 4,038 acres of the reef have been severely damaged," the EPA said.

19 September 2023

Tug on Dhiddhoo salvaged after 4 days

President of the island council Abdulla Rasheed told Atoll Times on Friday that the tug was salvaged around 10 p.m on Thursday night.

Barge fined for environmental damage runs aground again

On the second occasion, it was fined after conducting a joint survey with the owner of the vessel to investigate the damages caused to the reef by the incident.

Afcons rejects Villimale reef damage assessment; seeks own survey

Afcons has been given another seven days to respond to the EPA report. Naeem did not disclose when the deadline was granted.