Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Zaha Waheed has stated all fishing marker buoys which have been detached will be fixed in about two to three months.
In response to a question asked while speaking on a radio show, Minister Zaha noted 13 of the marker buoys placed across the country to aid fishermen were reported as detached last year alone, adding all 13 buoys were fixed before the end of the year. However, the minister said some marker buoys have been detached again, noting about 7 or 8 buoys currently detached. She said there have been delays in fixing the marker buoys due to difficulties in acquiring the polyethylene foam floats required for the buoys. However, she said all detached marker buoys will be fixed in the next two to three months.
Speaking further, Minister Zaha called on fishermen to take good care of the buoys, as these buoys have been placed for the benefit of fishermen. She also urged the public not to carry out any form of fishing other pole-and-line near the marker buoys.
Fishing marker buoys were first placed in the Maldives in 1980. The first 10 marker buoys were placed under the aid of Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), while the next 10 marker buoys were placed under the aid of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Since then, the expenses of placing and maintaining the buoys have been taken by the state.
The marker buoys are placed to assist pole-and-line fishermen locate their catch. Netting, lining and other forms of fishing are prohibited near the marker buoys. Mooring vessels to the marker buoys and other actions which may harm the buoys are also prohibited.