Lawmakers have signalled support for a government-backed amendment to the Maldives Fisheries Act to codify a framework for marine ecosystem protection. Introduced by Mohamed Alsan Ahmed, the representative for South Thinadhoo, the bill mandates rigorous fisheries management plans.
Alsan stated, "A key reason this bill is so important is that it establishes a comprehensive system to protect marine life by mandating a thorough assessment of the broader habitat. This mandate requires evaluating cohabitating species, interdependent or reliant marine life, and the potential adverse environmental impacts resulting from fishing activities."
Apprehension remains regarding executive reach. Hussain Sameer, the member for Thoddoo, warned that broad powers could allow the ministry to liquidate resources. "We see that the sweeping authority granted to the ministry by this bill could pose a severe risk to the Maldives' marine ecosystems, including black corals, sharks, and numerous other underwater elements," Sameer stated. "Because there is a genuine fear that our entire ocean's wealth could be completely sold off, we hope these matters will be deeply scrutinised and appropriately amended during the committee stage before this bill becomes law."
Mohamed Abbas, the member for Velidhoo, cited historical politicisation as an industry hurdle. "The focus remains perpetually on Kooddoo and Felivaru. We must question why fish processing factories and related facilities have not been spread across the different regions of the Maldives," Abbas asserted. "It is our lifeline. We state this emphatically for the citizens to hear: fishing is our lifeline. Yet, we must critically ask what tangible returns the state actually derives from the fishing industry."
Ibrahim Shujau, the member for Baarah, underscored fisher participation. "As this bill advances to the committee stage, I believe it is of paramount importance to ensure the direct participation of the fishers whose livelihoods are connected to and who actively work within the fishing industry," Shujau stated. Lawmakers concluded that modernising the sector is critical for the nation’s future.