Director General Susantha Kahawatta stated that all multi-day trawlers entering the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), whether heading to the Arabian Sea for fishing or returning after operations, must strictly follow these regulations.
He warned that vessels breaching Maldivian maritime laws risk being detained by local authorities, with heavy fines imposed for their release. He also clarified that the Department of Fisheries will not be able to intervene in such legal matters.
According to the new guidelines, vessel operators are required to submit the relevant applications at least 96 hours before entering Maldivian waters, using the specified email channels.
Applicants must also provide key documents, including the vessel registration certificate, departure clearance, crew details, a photograph of the vessel, and a basic route map showing entry and exit points.
He urged vessel owners and fishermen to comply with these requirements to avoid serious financial and operational setbacks.
