Regulations for Issuing the Licence to Fish in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Maldives

REGULATION FOR ISSUING THE LICENSE TO FISH IN THE EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES 1. This regulation has been framed with a view to the sustainable utilization of the fishery resources within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Maldives (as provided in the Fisheries Law No. 5/87 of the Republic of Maldives) and to issue the license to parties who are desirous of fishing within that zone. The license shall be issued, subject to the conditions specified. 2. The license issued under this Regulation shall permit fishing, only in the sea beyond 75 miles from the archipelago baselines of the islands situated at the outer edge of the atolls of the Republic of Maldives. 3. When issuing licenses, the total permitted catch for that year will be determined by the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture by the beginning of January of the year. 4. Fishing Licenses under this Regulation shall be issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industries. 5. Licenses shall only be granted for the following types of fishing only: a) pole and line fishing b) long-line fishing c) trolling 6. Vessels issued with Fishing Licenses to fish in the Exclusive Economic Zone shall not be permitted to engage in bait fisheries. This activity shall only be conducted in vessels which are traditionally engaged in bait fisheries in Maldives. 7. The Ministry of Trade and Industries shall determine the number of vessels to be engaged in fishing activities in the EEZ (by each and every licensed party). 8. Fishing licenses shall be issued to the party who is desirous of fishing in Exclusive Economic Zone, on payment to the government, the equivalent of US$ 50 (United States Dollars) per ton as Royalty, on the net tonnage of each vessel to be engaged in fishing. This payment must be made in convertible currency acceptable to the Maldives Monetary Authority. Any adjustment of the amount collected as Royalty against the actual catch shall be made when the vessels call for port clearance before departure. 9. Every party to whom a fishing license is issued, shall pay to the Government, before proceeding to fish, a license fee equivalent to US$ 10 (United States Dollars) per gross ton of the vessel, in a convertible currency acceptable to the Maldives Monetary Authority. 10. License shall be granted for a maximum period of 1 (one) year. 11. Fishing vessels when engaged in fishery operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of Maldives shall abide by all the Laws relating to the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Maldives. Further more when entering the Territorial Waters of the Republic of Maldives and operating these waters, such vessels shall fully comply with the Laws and Regulations of the Republic of Maldives. 12. The appropriate Government authorities reserve the right to board the licensed fishing vessels and effect such inspection as is deemed necessary. 13. The appropriate Government authorities reserve the right to station officials on any or all licensed fishing vessels. Those responsible for the operation of the vessels shall meet board. Lodging and medical expenses of such officials and deal with them in a reasonable manner. 14. If required by the Government, the parties issued with Fishing Licenses shall give fisheries training, under their supervision to Maldivian nationals, free of charge. 15. Every vessel that has been issued with Fishing Licenses shall supply its fishery statistical data to the Ministry of Trade and Industries, the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources and Maldives Customs Service as required. 16. Should Licensee contravene any of the provision of this Regulation or any condition of the license, such party shall be liable to pay fines as stipulated in the agreement between the licensee and the Government. Furthermore the Fishing License may be withdrawn in such cases, if the Government deems it necessary. This regulation does not prevent further penalization in accordance with the Law, for the offence committed. Such offence however shall be tried by the appropriate court of the Maldives. 17. Should it be proved or is reasonably believed that a licensed vessel or an employee of such a vessel is engaging in any activity that could endanger the National Security and public order in the Maldives, the Government reserves the right to cancel the License issued to the vessels of that Company and revoke the agreement signed between the Maldivian Government and the Company. 18. Permission for trial fishing in the EEZ is not included in this regulation. Permits for trial fishing shall be issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industries in consultation with the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Marine Resources.