Fisheries ministry signs agreement to prevent illegal fishing

Fisheries Ministry has signed an agreement with Maldives Customs to prevent illegal fishing in the country.

The agreement is regarding steps to be taken in ports against illegal unregulated and unreported fishing.

The agreement will allow international standards to be implemented in inspecting reefer vessels, fishing carriers, foreign vessels that port in the country, according to the ministry.

The steps taken under the agreement will prevent illegal fishing activities, and stop foreign vessels from using Maldivian ports for different reasons.

Further steps to be taken under the agreement.

• Inspections of foreign vessels and fishing carriers that port in the country.
• Monitoring loading operations of foreign vessels.
• Training inspection officers and exchange of information between the two institutions.