Tag: maldives news

The proceeds of illegal fishing in the Maldives

Fishing has always been a huge part of Maldivian life. Ever since people settled here, fishing has provided a source of food and income. Even after the industrialisation of the fishing sector in 1979, the Maldives maintained a strict policy ensuring sustainable fishing.

The main methods used are pole and line and hand line fishing. These methods ensure that the resource is not over utilised.

However there have always been illegal fishing activities conducted in the Maldivian economic exclusive zone (EEZ), an area of nearly a million square kilometres recognised internationally as Maldivian fishing territory.

The most recent case was reported October 2009, when two Iranian fishing vessels were apprehended by the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) coast guard. These two vessels carried a total of almost 60 tonnes of fish.

Currently all illegal fishermen apprehended by the MNDF are handed over to police for processing and fined between Rf100,000 to 1 million, according to Hussain Sinaan from the ministry of fisheries and agriculture.

The coast guard are left with the problem of what to do with the confiscated fish, he said, which can include high-value product such as shark fin.

“The MNDF will hold an auction to sell the fish, if they believe the fish will go bad,” he said, adding that the auctions are usually announced and open to the public.

The coast guard did not respond to enquiries from Minivan News as to how much confiscated fish has been sold at these auctions, whether the cargo is inspected for protected species, or where the proceeds go.

Recent regulations passed by the EU requires the licensing of vessels catching fish for the European export market, intended to reduce the amount of illegal fishing.

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President presented with special issue of Milan Weekly

Nepalese magazine Milan Weekly has presented President Nasheed its special issue during the 15th SAARC Summit.

Chief editor and publisher of the magazine Rekha Kyastha Bhandari presented the president with the special issue.

The presentation took place at the presidents office. Nasheed said that SAARC needed to have a broader role in regional issues.

Since the third SAARC summit in 1987, Milan Weekly have published special issues to commemorate the summits.

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More signings for VB

VB sports continued its spending spree by signing three new players.

Valencia striker Ahmed Thoriq ( Tom), Victory defender Ahmed Saeed (Amatty), New Radient Akram Abdul Ghanee and All Youth Linkage, AYL, Suadullah Kamaal have all agreed terms with the club.

VB have started practicing under Turkish coach Can Vanli.

In preparation for next years AFC cup, VB have signed a total of seven new players.

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New license will help stop illegal fishing

The ministry of fisheries and agriculture will introduce a new fishing licence aimed at reducing the amount of illegal fishing activity.

The new licenses are necessary to comply with European export legislation, said Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr Ibrahim Didi.

Under this regulation, only vessels holding a license issued by that country’s fishing governing body may export fish to the EU.

“The new license is only required for those needing to export fish to Europe. Fishing for the local market does not require you to have this,” he said.

Illegal fishing methods, such as drag net fishing, was a major problem for the Maldives said State Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr Hussain Rasheed.

“When the new regulation is passed, all exporters must have a paper trail of where their fish came from and who caught them,” he said.

“Without a license illegal fishing groups can’t sell, and once you take the market away they will stop,” predicted Rasheed.

Didi also said that it was important to stay ahead of the game by maintaining standards set by the EU.

“The EU will stop the export of fish into their borders if they feel countries are not complying with their regulations, as was the case with Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said.

Didi also addressed the issue of vessels operating with a expired safety certificates.

“The maximum fine a vessel can incur at the moment is Rf2000,” he said. “So there is a window for vessels to renew their certificates and operate under the regulations set by the ministry.”

Regulations set by the EU would only help local fishermen, he added, by preventing resources from being over-harvested.

The new regulation will take effect from 1 January 2010. In addition to the new license, all vessels will be required to have up to date health and safety certificates available from all atolls.

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US$300,000 stolen in street stabbing

Prominent businessman Ahmed Ibrahim Didi, known as ‘Campus’ Didi, was stabbed and robbed of almost US$300,000 in cash by unknown assailants last night.

Police said the incident occurred late last night around 12.30 pm on Fareedhee Magu, in front of the Novelty Bookshop.

A Bangladeshi man accompanying Didi suffered a gash to his arm, while Didi was badly injured and was flown to India for medical treatment. Eye witnesses told the newspaper Haveeru that the pavement outside the shop resembled “a red river of blood.”

Sergeant Shiyam from Maldives Police Service confirmed the amount of money stolen was “a lot”, while Haveeru reported the attackers escaped with almost US$200,000 and RF$1 million in cash.

Speaking to Haveeru on behalf of the family, Mohamed Ibrahim Didi, younger brother of Campus Didi, said that his brother’s condition was very serious and that all details regarding the stabbing and robbery would be made available through the police.

Shiyam refused to speculate whether the attack was random or Didi was specifically targeted, as the incident was under investigation.

The attack had similarities to the recent spate of gang muggings of store owners, he said.

A man was robbed of over $US30,000 by a gang who attacked him at Gadiburu roundabout in late November, while the previous month four men were arrested after attacking two men with iron rods and stealing Rf762,700 (US$60,000).

“Some businesses carry around a very big amount of money [after they close],” he said. “We’re trying to give the message that business and local residents should be careful about carrying such large amounts money.”

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72 packets of drugs found on man

A man in Noonu Atoll has been arrested in possession of a large amount of drugs.

Police reported that Mohamed Hassan, 19, from Noonu Maalhendhoo Farivaage, was arrested with 72 packets of suspected narcotics. Police also found Rf2110 and two bank trasfer slips.

Hassan was apprehended on December 27 in a special operation conducted by Noonu Atoll police, conducted to identify suspected narcotics distributors and users.

Police said Hassan also tested positive for narcotics after a drug test at Noonu Manadhoo police station.

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Strong winds cause damage

Two houses in Addu had their roofs blown off when the wind picked up last night.

The incident occured at around 5.15am. The two houses were from Seenu Maradhoo and Seenu Meedhoo.

According to TVM no one was injured in the incident.

Police and MNDF are working together to repair the damage. The island councilers said they are trying to get funds to help repair the damaged houses.

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Mohamed Umair signs for VB

VB Sports continued strengthening its squad for next season by acquiring Victory captain Mohamed Umair.

Umair, who plays in defence has been playing his trade at Victory for the last four years.

According to Haveru, Umair said “You might think this change is because of a salary issue, but it is not. If that was the case I would not have been with the club (Victory) this year. I just felt like a change”

The new contract with VB is for one year.

Umair has been the third player to leave Victory recently for VB, the other two being goalkeeper Imran Mohamed and striker Assad Ali.

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