The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has introduced changes to the General Fisheries Regulations, enabling fishing activities near fish aggregating devices (FADs). 

The adjustment was made under the second amendment to the rules, aimed at refining fishing practices across the country.

The General Fisheries Regulations, established under the Maldives Fisheries Act in 2020 and fully enforced in 2021, govern the conduct of fishing activities, define violations, and outline penalties. Two amendments have been made to the regulations since their inception, with the latest focusing on specific fishing zones and permitted activities.

One significant change removes restrictions on large-scale fishing within a 1-mile radius of the FAD areas, initially designated for entertainment fishing purposes. Fishing is now allowed in the vicinity of these FADs, marking a shift in policy. However, restrictions on activities near these devices remain unchanged, limiting pole and line fishing to a 3-mile radius and prohibiting actions that could damage the FADs.

The second amendment also eliminates the requirement for fishermen to create and maintain a registry, as this responsibility has been reassigned under a separate regulation. The Fisheries Ministry confirmed that the change aligns with broader efforts to streamline administrative processes.

In addition to regulatory updates, the Government is exploring enhancements to FADs, focusing on design improvements to support environmental sustainability.