Maldives have decided to stop issuing licences to conduct long line fishing in its waters.
In a statement, Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture said the decision was made after discussions with Maldivian fishermen and other relevant stakeholders. Long line fishing is the only type of fishing method foreign parties can take part in Maldives.
As part of the permit issued to conduct long line fishing in Maldives, the vessels have the choice of hiring foreign fishermen. In this regard, according to the fisheries ministry, while most of the vessels that conduct long line fishing in Maldives employ about 10 fishermen on average, only one member of the crew is a Maldivian. The ministry also revealed local fishermen engaged in other forms of fishing methods, including pole and line fishing, have submitted complaints regarding long line fishing in Maldives.
Furthermore, a delegation from EU Maritime Affairs and Fisheries visited Maldives earlier this year and noted long line fishing is conducted against the laws and regulations, highlighting a lot of illegal acts take place during long line fishing in Maldives.
The delegation noted if long line fishing is not properly monitored in Maldives, the country may face difficulty in exporting fish products to the EU, as parties conducting long line fishing may change the perspective on the Maldivian fisheries industry.
The fisheries ministry attempts to amend the regulations on long line fishing in Maldives and provide opportunities for local fishermen to continue the fishing method.