Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Zaha Waheed has revealed the fishing quota granted for foreign fishing vessels will not be renewed.
Speaking at a meeting held with fishermen at Addu City Council, Fisheries Minister Zaha said Maldivian fishermen always complain about foreign vessels fishing in Maldivian waters, adding therefore, the administration has decided not to renew the quotas provided for foreign vessels. She also revealed the quotas will expire in May this year.
It is a pledge of the current administration to stop granting fishing quotas for foreign vessels within the first 100-days. The meeting held in Addu City was attended by senior officials from Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO). The local fishermen told the officials about the challenges faced in the sector. Discussions in the meeting focused on working together to solve the issues.
Noting it is an aim of the administration to provide opportunity for local fishermen to fish outside the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone, the minister said several projects are planned to enhance the sector.