Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee has assured the current administration has not grant license to any foreign vessel to fish from Maldivian waters. The current administration has put a complete stop to foreign vessels fishing in the country, Minister Shainee stated speaking at a press conference held by Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture dismissing rumours a foreign vessel is fishing in local waters.
Noting some foreign vessels fished in Maldivian waters during 2000s, the fisheries minister noted those licenses expired in 2013. Refuting rumours that some 41 vessels are actively fishing in Maldivian waters, the minister said the aforementioned 41 vessels are registered to Maldivian citizens. In this regard, the minister said licenses were granted to those 41 vessels for big-eye tuna fishing, adding the fishing crew include Maldivians.
Furthermore, Minister Shainee noted permission was granted to these vessels to enhance the revenue derived from the fisheries sector.