President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the 2nd Amendment to the Maldives Fisheries Act (Act No. 14/2019).
The Bill was passed by the 20th People’s Majlis during the 28th sitting of its second session for 2026, held on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. The President ratified the Bill at a special ceremony held at the President's Office today.
The Amendment seeks to strengthen the legal framework governing administrative measures against fishing vessels, regulate fishing and aquaculture activities within protected areas, establish provisions for the development and management of fishing harbours, and introduce other necessary reforms to the fisheries sector.
The Amendment provides for the development and operation of specialised fishing harbours to facilitate the safe mooring of vessels and the provision of dedicated fisheries services. This includes harbours and facilities designated for recreational and sport fishing activities. It further requires the relevant Ministry to formulate regulations governing recreational and sport fishing, as well as the development and management of facilities associated with such activities.
The Amendment also expands the provisions governing the leasing of areas for aquaculture and establishes procedures for the allocation and use of such areas.
In addition, the Amendment establishes a framework for addressing the responsibilities of flag states when administrative action is taken against foreign fishing vessels engaged in illegal fishing activities within Maldivian waters. It also strengthens the Ministry’s enforcement framework by revising the classification of offences and establishing provisions for determining penalties and applicable fines for violations of the Act and its regulations.
A period of 60 days from the commencement of the Amendment has been provided for the revision of existing regulations and the formulation of new regulations, rules and procedures required to implement its provisions.
Following its ratification and publication in the Government Gazette, the Amendment has come into force.