Maldives Marine Aquarium

Maldives Marine Aquarium
Fishery Management Plan
DECEMBER 2020
UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION
Government Gazette Reference: Volume 49, Issue 253, 16 December 2020
Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources & Agriculture
Malé, Maldives
Maldives Marine Aquarium Fishery
Management Plan
December 2020
Copyright © 2020 Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture
The Ministry encourages the use, reproduction plan holistic and inclusive. The Ministry also
and dissemination of material in this management thanks the island councils for playing a crucial role
plan. Except where otherwise indicated, material in ensuring that the concerns of fishers and sector
may be copied, downloaded and printed for stakeholders are directly heard at the highest level
private study, research and teaching purposes, or of fisheries governance and policy making.
for use in non-commercial products or services,
provided that appropriate acknowledgement of The Ministry highly appreciates the time,
the Ministry as the source and copyright holder meticulous contributions and the wealth of
is given. knowledge shared by fishers, without whom
this plan would not have been possible. Their
Contributing Authors: meaningful insights and constructive suggestions
Hawwa Raufath Nizar, Munshidha Ibrahim, have been invaluable.
Aminath Lubna
The Ministry recognises Maldives Marine
Other contributors: Research Institute’s efforts to produce research
Mohamed Ahusan, Adam Ziyad, Ahmed Shifaz, on our marine resources and provide technical
Ahmed Najeeb, Hussein Zameel, Hussain Sinan, support for evidence-based policy making.
Mohamed Shimal, Adam Manik.
The Ministry acknowledges and thanks the Blue
Reviewed by: Marine Foundation for their research on the
Dr. Charles Anderson and The Environmental fishery, which helped further refine this Plan.
Markets Solution Lab (emLab), UCSB
Sincere thanks to the World Bank funded Maldives
Acknowledgement: Sustainable Fisheries Resources Development
The Ministry acknowledges the various Project (SFRDP) for providing the Ministry with
government agencies and stakeholders that the essential resources and financial support for
contributed towards making this management the formulation of this plan.
For bibliographic purposes, this management plan shall be cited as:
Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture (2020), Maldives Marine Aquarium Fishery Management Plan.
MoFMRA, Malé, Maldives
Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture

7th Floor, Velaanaage
Ameer Ahmed Magu
Malé, 20096
Republic of Maldives, www.fishagri.gov.mv
Table of Contents
6 List of Tables 26 Part 5: Purpose, Objectives
6 List of Figures and Strategies
7 Foreword
31 Part 6: Management
8 Abbreviations
Measures Under This Plan
9 Chapter 1: Preamble 31 6.1 Establishment of an Advisory
9 1.1 Introduction and Title Committee
9 1.2 Overall Purpose 33 6.2 Licensing
10 1.3 Scope and Application 33 6.3 Data Collection and Management
10 1.4 Guiding Principles 34 6.4 Total Allowable Export (TAE) Limit
11 1.5 Interpretation 35 6.5 Catch Certification
11 1.6 Entry into Force 35 6.6 Precautionary Measures
12 Part 2: Habitat and Ecology 36 Part 7: Implementation of
12 2.1 Species and Their Habitats this Plan

16 2.2 Invertebrates in the MAF
16 2.3 Ecology 36 Part 8: Reviewing the
Management Plan
18 Part 3: Overview of the Fishery
18 3.1 Inception and Development 37 References

18 3.2 Collection Methods
38 Annex 1: Glossary
20 3.3 Export Trends
22 3.4 Demography and Socio-economic Status 40 Annex 2: List of TAE for
22 3.5 Reef Area in Use
Each Species
24 Part 4: Previous
Management Measures
List of Tables
13 Table 1: Top 20 most exported species by number in 2017 and their

depths and habitats.
17 Table 2: Two potential keystone species within the 20 most exported

MAF species in 2017
23 Table 3: Reef Area in Use in the Collection of Marine Aquarium Fishes
27 Table 4: Breakdown of each objective, by strategies, actions, time frame

and responsible parties
List of Figures
18 Figure 1: Percentage of invertebrates and fish by number in annual MAF

exports from Maldives, from 2015-2017
19 Figure 2: Scoop net used in the marine aquarium fishery
21 Figure 3: Total number of MAF exports and associated FOB from 1997-2015
21 Figure 4: Comparison between the average exports and FOB to major export
destinations, from 1997-2019
21 Figure 5: Percentage exports to Sri Lanka from 1997-2019
6
Foreword
Praise be to Allah, the Creator of the oceans, marine the Precautionary Approach, Ecosystem-Based
life and other blessings upon the earth. Prayers Management, Sustainable Development and
and peace be upon our Prophet, Muhammad, Equity, with due regard to the various and
who taught us the righteous way to make use of variety of interactions within an ecosystem and
these blessings. to ensuring timely and cost-effective measures
are taken to safeguard ecosystems and prevent
The oceans, lagoons and reefs are national irreparable damage to them. This process has
heritages that are inextricably linked to our been informed by meaningful suggestions and
culture, tradition, and the Maldivian identity. The constructive feedback from various stakeholders
Maldives fisheries are heavily dependent on this including fishers, others engaged directly and
heritage. Hence it is our utmost responsibility to indirectly within the fisheries sector as well as
ensure that they are faithfully passed down to our civil society organisations working towards
future generations. The Ministry is committed natural resource management, conservation, and
to working towards achieving this goal, and protection.
to implement the government’s policies on the
expansion of the blue economy agenda. To this The fisheries management plans will be the
end, we have compiled this plan to steer our primary basis for guiding the authorities as well
efforts towards maximising long-term benefits of as stakeholders in the sustainable management of
marine resources to Maldivians. the fisheries sector in the Maldives. These plans
comprise of developmental goals and objectives
Since the time of our forefathers, the fishery for each fishery, measures and actions to achieve
sector has been a major pillar of our economy, them, the roles and responsibilities of stakeholder
upon which our incomes, our livelihoods and our agencies in the implementation of these measures
sustenance are dependent. Therefore, the measures and an implementation timeline for the measures.
included in these fisheries management plans are It is my sincere hope that these plans contribute
geared towards the sustainable development and towards realising the vision set forth by the
management of these fisheries resources. These Fisheries Act of the Maldives.
legally recognised fisheries management plans
mark a watershed moment in the history of marine
resource management in the Maldives. Zaha Waheed
Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources

Fisheries resources are common goods, of and Agriculture
which all Maldivians hold a share. These plans

have been developed based on principles of
7
Abbreviations
FIS Fisheries Information System
IGO Intergovernmental Organisation
LGA Local Government Authority
ME Ministry of Environment
MFDA Maldives Food and Drug Authority
MIRA Maldives Inland Revenue Authority
MMRI Maldives Marine Research Institute
MNDF-CG Maldives National Defence Force, Coast Guard
MoED Ministry of Economic Development
MPS Maldives Police Services
NBS National Bureau of Statistics
RFBs Regional Fisheries Bodies
SDFC SME Development Finance Corporation
SWIOFC Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission
TAC Total Allowable Catch
TAE Total Allowable Exports
UCSB University of California, Santa Barbara
8
Chapter 1
Preamble
1.1 Introduction This Plan is made pursuant to Article 18 of the Act No. 14/2019 (Fisheries Act
and Title of the Maldives) and provides for the management of the fishery stated in
Section 17 (a) (8) of the Act. The plan will be the primary basis for guiding
the authorities as well as stakeholders in the sustainable management of the
marine aquarium fishery and trade in the Maldives. This Management Plan
shall be cited as “Maldives Marine Aquarium Fishery Management Plan”.
1.2 Overall The overall purpose of the management plan is to:
Purpose
(a) Manage all activities that may impact marine aquarium fishery
resources and ensure long-term benefits to the people of Maldives through
the responsible management of the fishery; and
(b) Guide the authorities and stakeholders in the sustainable development

of the marine aquarium fishery and trade in the Maldives.
9
1.3 Scope and This Plan applies to all marine species harvested for aquarium and ornamental
Application purposes, included in Appendix 2.
This Plan also applies to all activities carried out in the Maldives that may
impact marine aquarium fishery resources, including but not limited to
fishing, fishing related activities, holding, packing, trading and exporting
of marine aquarium species from the Maldives. The Plan also applies to
all parties, vessels, packing and holding facilities or places engaged in or
otherwise connected with any activity within the scope of this Plan.
1.4 Guiding 1.4.1 Precautionary Approach: Timely and cost-effective measures shall
Principles be taken to safeguard ecosystems and prevent irreparable damage to them

despite the lack of full scientific certainty.
1.4.2 Ecosystem-based management: The various and variety of interactions

within an ecosystem, including anthropogenic elements, shall be recognised as
opposed to accounting for matters, species, or ecosystem services in isolation.
1.4.3 Universal Responsibility: Local policies governing marine resource

management shall be in harmony with global efforts to protect, conserve and
manage biodiversity.
1.4.4 Sustainable Development: In developing the fishery, the needs of

the present shall be met without compromising the ability of the future
generations to benefit from the resource.
1.4.5 Equity: Resources shall be acknowledged as shared common good, and

benefits obtained from the utilisation of resources shall be shared in a fair and
just manner among all through the application of transparency, legitimacy,
accountability and decentralisation.
1.4.6 Participatory Approach: All stakeholders, particularly those who are

directly affected by a policy or a measure, shall be engaged in the decision-
making process to ensure inclusivity and consensus-oriented outcomes.
10
1.5 Unless stated otherwise, words or expressions used in this Plan have been
Interpretation given the meanings specified in Annex 1: Glossary.
1.6 Entry into This Plan shall come into force upon its publication in the Government
Force Gazette.
11
Chapter 2
Habitat and Ecology
2.1 Species The marine aquarium fishery is highly species rich, involving the trade of a
and Their diverse range of marine organisms. In 2017 alone, approximately 250 species
Habitats were exported as marine aquarium fish. However, the aquarium fishery caters
to a highly selective customer base and this is reflected in the export data,
where a small number of species account for a large proportion of exports. For
instance, out of the approximately 250 species recorded to have been exported
in 2017, 9 species accounted for 50% of the exports. Analysis of data available
from reports published in the 1980s, 1995 and 2004, as well as proforma data
from 2011 and 2014-2017 shows that with the exception of 2003, the top 20
species (Table 1) accounted for over 70% of the exports.
The top 20 species exported in the marine aquarium fishery are listed in Table
1 below.
12
Table 1: Top 20 most exported species by number in 2017 and their depths and habitats. Depth and habitat
information, extracted from www.fishbase.org and www.iucn.org
Scientific Common
Local Name Death Habitat
Name Name
Pseudanthias Scalefin anthias Kashikeyo mas Lower depth limit (metres): 40 Adults are found
squamipinnis Upper depth limit (metres): 1 above coral outcrops
or patch reefs of clear
lagoons, channels, or
outer reef slopes
Pseudanthias Yellowback Mathi dhon Lower depth limit (metres): 40 Schooling species,
evansi anthias bureki Upper depth limit (metres): 4 along upper parts
of drop-offs and in
outer reef lagoons.
Macropharyngodon Divided wrasse Kurehi hikaa Lower depth limit (metres): 30 Inhabits lagoons
bipartitus Upper depth limit (metres): 1 and sand or rubble
patches on seaward
coral reefs
Pseudanthias Sunset anthias - Lower depth limit (metres): 70 Forms small groups
parvirostris Upper depth limit (metres): 17 and swims close to the
substrate. Also occurs
in aggregations above
patch reefs on sand or
rubble seaward slopes
Labroides Blue streak Theyofulhi Lower depth limit (metres): 40 Inhabits coral
dimidiatus cleaner wrasse mas Upper depth limit (metres): 1 rich areas of inner
lagoons and sub-tidal
reef flats to seaward
reefs
Acanthurus Blue surgeonfish Noo kaalhu Lower depth limit (metres): 25 Inhabits shallow,
leucosternon clear coastal and
island coral reefs.
Nemanthias Carberryi anthias - Lower depth limit (metres): 30 Found in groups off
carberryi Upper depth limit (metres): 4 outer reef slopes
13
Blenniella Red-spotted - Lower depth limit (metres): 6 Is reef-associated and

chrysospilos blenny inhabits clear coastal
reef flats, often in
exposed habitats.
Common in outer
intertidal reef flats
and surge-swept
seaward reefs, usually
where algal growth is
prolific.
Nemateleotris Fire dartfish Dhidha funna Lower depth limit (metres): 61 Inhabits burrows on
magnifica Upper depth limit (metres): 6 the upper portion of
outer reef slopes
Valenciennea Chalk goby - Lower depth limit (metres): 25 Inhabits silty or sandy
sexguttata Upper depth limit (metres): 3 areas of lagoons and
bays. Usually in pairs
and lives in a burrow
under rocks
Nemateleotris Elegant dartfish Fari dhidha Lower depth limit (metres): 75 Occurs over hard,
decora funna Upper depth limit (metres): 25 open bottoms at the
bases of reefs, over
sand and rubble
patches, and on deep
coastal to outer reef
drops-offs that are
subject to strong
currents
Echinaster Mediterranean - Lower depth limit (metres): 250 Found in tropical

sepositus red sea star waters, in rocky
substrata. Inhabits
both sheltered and
moderately exposed
habitats.
Pseudanthias Twospot Anthias - Lower depth limit (metres): 100 Inhabits deep coastal
bimaculatus Upper depth limit (metres): 20 drop-offs.
14
Halichoeres Lemon meringue Dhon lunboa Lower depth limit (metres): 60 Found along the reef
leucoxanthus wrasse hikaa Upper depth limit (metres): 7 edge, in sand and
rubble areas
Ecsenius midas Midas blenny - Lower depth limit (metres): 40 Occurs in coral
Upper depth limit (metres): 2 reefs with moderate
currents, typically
3-2m above the
benthos
Naso lituratus Orange spine Ran geri Lower depth limit (metres): 90 Benthopelagic, found
unicornfish in areas of coral, rock,
or rubble of lagoon
and seaward reefs.
Cirrhilabrus Exquisite wrasse - Lower depth limit (metres): 32 Occurs over rubble
exquisitus Upper depth limit (metres): 2 or low patch reefs in
areas of current; also,
on reef edges and
around bomboras
with rubble zones
Zebrasoma Sailfin tang - Lower depth limit (metres): 45 Inhabits lagoons

veliferum Upper depth limit (metres): 1 and seaward reefs;
juveniles found
shallow, sheltered
rocks or corals
Cirrhilabrus Red scale wrasse Raiy hulhunbu Lower depth limit (metres):50 Marine species,
rubrisquamis hikaa Upper depth limit (metres): 40 associated with
deep reefs, found
over coral, rubble or
sandy substrate
Pseudocheilinus Sixstripe wrasse Harongu Lower depth limit (metres): 35 Occurs in seaward
hexataenia hikaa Upper depth limit (metres): 2 reefs among coral
branches. Also occurs
in clear coastal
waters, dense coral

habitats on shallow
reef crest or slopes
to a depth of about
20 m.
15
2.2 The number of invertebrates harvested by the MAF is low compared to that of
Invertebrates fish, with only approximately 2 % of the MAF exports by number from 2015-
in the MAF 2017 being invertebrate species. These exports were recorded in the pro-forma
sheets, as consisting solely of Echinaster sp., Fromia sp. and nudibranchs.
However, in 2017, the Mediterranean red sea star, Echinaster sepositus, was
one of the top 20 most commonly exported species in the entire trade.
Figure 1: Percentage of invertebrates and fish by number in annual
MAF exports from Maldives, from 2015-2017.
2.3 Ecology A majority of the species listed in the MAF are associated with coral reefs and
some are grazers and thus occupy important niches within the ecosystem.
From the top 20 most exported species in 2017, 2 were noted to be potential
keystone species (Table 2). Of these, the blue streak cleaner wrasse is currently
being exported over the proposed Total Allowable Export (TAE) limits in the
2014 review1 (Wood et al. 2014), while the orange spine unicornfish has had
no proposed or prior TAE limit.
Taking due consideration of interspecific associations is crucial to managing a

species rich fishery such as this, which largely exploits coral reefs and thus is
inherently vulnerable to not only local anthropogenic and fishing pressures,
but also the impacts of climate change and natural disturbances, as well. The
blue streak cleaner wrasse, which was the second most exported species in
2011, is a prime example of an ecologically important species. An in-situ study
1
The proposed quota was reviewed by MRC and a number of consultations were held with MAF exporters to finalise quota.
16
carried out in patch reefs where experimental reefs had blue streak cleaner
wrasse removed and control reefs were left untouched, found that client fish
on experimental reefs were smaller sized, and resident fish populations were
37% smaller in number and there was a 23% reduction in species richness, in
comparison to the control patch reefs. Juvenile fish abundance was reduced
by 65% on experimental reefs, pointing to reduced survivorship (Waldie et
al. 2011). Together these results show a clear positive impact of blue streak
cleaner wrasse on community composition and abundance.
Table 2: Two potential keystone species within the 20 most exported MAF species in 2017
Estimated Total Previously Proposed

Species Justification
Export 2015 TAE Limit
Blue Impacts population abundance,

surgeonfish species richness and juvenile 17,377 7,000
survivorship of associated species
(Waldie et al. 2011).
Orange Fulfils critical ecological functions

spine in the top-down control of coral
unicornfish 9,456 -
reef macro algae; particularly fleshy
brown algae (i.e. Sargassum spp.)
which can out-compete and smother
corals (Rasher et al. 2013).
Additionally, it is important to note that , while not categorised as keystone,

species like the blue surgeonfish are important herbivores, the removal
of which can cause cascading changes in ecosystem biodiversity, juvenile
recruitment and species composition (Lefcheck et al. 2019). In light of
these considerations, it is critically important to account for interspecific
relationships and ecological niche and connectivity, in the development of
management measures for this fishery.
17
Chapter 3
Overview of the
Fishery
3.1 Inception The Maldivian Marine Aquarium Fishery (MAF) came into inception in
and the late 1970s, and is comparatively small scale in the context of the entire
Development Maldivian fisheries sector, accounting for only 0.39% of the total marine export
value from 2010-2019. However, it should be noted that undervaluing of MAF
exports at the time of export is evident, and has also been previously reported
(Saleem and Adam 2004). Consequently, the true economic contribution from
the fishery is not understood. From its early stages till date, several reviews
have been conducted on the fishery to ascertain its viability and sustainability
in the long term. One such document was a reef resource-use review published
in 1997, which commented on the general sustainability of the Maldivian
MAF, especially in comparison to some other reef-based fisheries (Adam et
al. 1997). Since then, the MAF has expanded rapidly and shown a notable
increase in exports.
3.2 Collection Both SCUBA diving and skin diving are employed in the MAF. Free swimming
Methods species are collected using small and large hand-held nets that are used in
combination and separately, depending on the species and aggregation
numbers. Similarly, depending on various factors, the collectors work both in
18
pairs and separately. As the fishery is demand driven, the sites and locations
for collection on any given day, are based on the orders received from the
overseas clients. The methods employed in collecting the fish species that
tend to hide within the reef structure is not known. However, previously, the
use of moxy-nets to capture such species was common. Subsequently, their
use was prohibited in 1997.
Figure 2: Scoop net used in the marine aquarium fishery
Specimens caught in this manner are collected and brought up in plastic bags.
Once on board the vessel, the fish are then transferred to a holding facility in
containers. Specimens caught at greater depths are treated with a hypodermic
needle, to release the air from the swim bladder and prevent it from rapturing
during ascent to the surface
As the fishery is highly demand-driven, the fishing grounds and target species
for any given fishing trip is dependent upon purchasing order lists received
at that point in time.
19
3.3 Export Overall export records for the marine aquarium fishery are available from
Trends 1980 onwards, indicating total exports per annum. However, country specific
export records only became available from the mid-1990s onward. This data
is officially maintained solely by the Maldives Customs Service, documenting
quantities and values declared at the time of export. Furthermore, proforma
data which is for the most part segregated by species and quantity is also
maintained at the Ministry. This data is received by the Maldives Customs
Service at the time of export and is shared with the Ministry digitally.
According to the data received from Maldives Customs Service, 21 exporters

have exported marine aquarium fish over the past five years, of whom, 7 are
regularly active.
While export data shows a general increasing trend until 2005, there was a
slight dip in exports over the period 1998-2000. The jump in FOB from 2000 to
2001 and continued increase was due to increased exports to UK and Japan,
as both destinations offer some of the highest prices per unit. From 2005-
2014, exports were stable, at approximately 300,000-350,000 fish per annum.
The average value of marine aquarium exports during this time was MVR
7.9 million per year. The year 2015 shows a considerable number of exports
jumped to 460,000 and over 50% of these exports were sent to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka received over 80% of Maldivian MAF exports in the early 1980s
(Wood et al. 2014), but this percentage has decreased significantly in recent
years. The average unit price per fish for exports to Sri Lanka is much lower
than other destinations, mainly because almost all exports to Sri Lanka are re-
exported to European and US markets, therefore increasing overheads before
reaching the final market (Adam 1995). The expansion in to Western markets,
with the development of airports and more efficient transport, meant that the
unit price of fish increased by virtue of having direct access to other markets.
However, data from 2015 onwards indicates a resurgence in exports to Sri
Lanka.
20
Figure 3: Total number of MAF exports and associated FOB from 1997-2015, where FOB refers to the ‘Free on
Board’ value, which indicates the cost and risks involved with shipping and delivery of goods. Data retrieved
from: Maldives Customs Service.
Figure 4: Comparison between the average exports and FOB to major export destinations, from 1997-2019.
Data retrieved from: Maldives Customs Service.
Figure 5: Percentage exports to Sri Lanka from 1997-2019. Data retrieved from: Maldives Customs Service.
21
3.4 While a large percentage of the work force, especially divers, was Sri Lankan
Demography at the beginning of the fishery, fish collection has since been restricted to
and Socio- Maldivian nationals (Wood et al. 2014) due to the re-enforcement of clause 15
economic of the Maldivian Fisheries Regulation in 1997.
Status
Despite the clear expansion of the industry, surveys conducted by the Ministry
in 2017 and 2018 showed that fewer than 100 people work in it, across 8 outer
atolls and Malé atoll. The estimated monthly income for divers is USD 1000,
a notable increase from the previously reported USD 325–650 (Wood et al.
2014).
3.5 Reef Area Most MAF operations were positioned around Kaafu atoll in the early 1980s
in Use because of the ease of access to the international airport. This is particularly
important for the MAF because the fishery is solely export based. Operations
expanded to include Baa Atoll by 2004 (Saleem and Adam 2004) and Gaafu
Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls by 2008 (Saleem and Islam 2008). Resource use
mapping carried out by the Darwin Reef Fish Project in 2012 reported that
collection was also being carried out in Lhaviyani atoll, bringing the number
of atolls in which the MAF operates up to five atolls, as of 2014 (Wood et al.
2014). However, communications with the MAF operators in 2016 indicated
that collections were also happening in Laamu, Addu, Noonu, Raa, Haa
Alifu and Haa Dhaalu atolls, although, the frequency of collection cannot be
estimated at present.
Much research has been undertaken to determine the total area utilised in
this fishery. The first assessment to determine the area of reef used and the
potential yield of the species utilized in the Maldivian MAF showed that
approximately 250 hectares of reef was in use at the inception of the fishery.
The review in 2014 showed a nearly 20-fold increase, with approximately
5000 hectares of reef being utilised in the fishery. These estimates were based
on a study in the early 2000s (Naseer and Hatcher 2004) which estimated the
total coral cover across the Maldives. Table 2 below summarises the findings
from research conducted to determine the total reef area in use for aquarium
fish collection, at various points in time.
22
Table 3: Reef Area in Use in the Collection of Marine Aquarium Fishes
Researcher and Estimated Total Reef Area in Use for Estimated Average Percentage
Research Period Marine Aquarium Fish Collection Used of Each Individual Reef
A. J. Edwards and A. D.
250 Hectares 11%
Shepherd, 1992
M. S. Adam, 1995 850 Hectares 15%
L. Wood et al, 2014 4,972 Hectares 13%
23
Chapter 4
Previous Management
Measures
Several of the species exploited under the MAF have TAE limits within the previous management
regime, however not all of the top 20 most exported species in the latest reference year available
(2017) were accounted for within this system. Fluctuations and turn-over in the top 20 most exported
species every few years due to the export demand-driven nature of the fishery makes establishing a
quota system difficult.
Up until 2012, the MMRI set quotas which were implemented by the Ministry of Economic
Development. In 2012, the management of quotas was turned over to the Ministry. Over the years,
important species were declared as export banned species under this fishery, including important
bait species such as blue-green damselfish, as well as some angelfishes, butterflyfishes, pufferfishes
and porcupinefishes, in addition to the bicolour parrotfish, longnose filefish, marble moray and the
palette surgeonfish.
While no MAF fishers or fish collectors were licensed in the past, MAF holding facilities were
licensed from 2010 onwards. In terms of data collection, the submission of proforma data sheets was
enforced with each export consignment. While the system was more manageable in the beginning,
as the number of exports and varieties increased, there was a significant time lag between Maldives
24
Customs Service receiving the data, and it being transferred to the Ministry. This made quota
management and enforcement more difficult. The quotas underwent review in 2014 (Wood, et al.,
2014) and amendments were proposed thorough stakeholder consultation workshops and site visits
were carried out prior to their finalisation.
Furthermore, as a measure to reduce the environmental impact of fishing gears, a ban was placed on
the use of moxy nets to harvest marine aquarium species.
25
Chapter 5
Purpose, Objectives and

Strategies
This management plan comprises of objectives, strategies, and actions that would contribute towards
achieving the overall purpose.
The four specific objectives are;
(1) Ensure that all activities associated with the harvest and trade of marine aquarium fishes
are carried out through the application of principles of sustainability, ecosystem-based
management and the Precautionary Approach;
(2) Prioritise evidence-based policymaking through the collection of biological, ecological, and
socio-economic data on the marine aquarium fishery and associated resources;
(3) Implement Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) measures and strengthen data
collection and data reporting mechanisms for the marine aquarium fishery and trade;
(4) Increase education and awareness on marine aquarium fishery and resources amongst
stakeholders and the general public.
Strategies and actions developed to achieve these objectives are summarised in Table 1
26
Table 4: Breakdown of each objective, by strategies, actions, time frame and responsible parties.
Objective 1 Ensure that all activities associated with the harvest and trade of marine aquarium fishes are carried
out through the application of principles of sustainability, ecosystem-based management and the
Precautionary Approach.
Strategy Action Time frame Responsible parties
1.1.1 Strengthen and implement Within one year of o MoFMRA
the existing Total Allowable Export implementation of o MMRI
(TAE) limits for the MAF. this Plan o MoED
o Maldives Customs
Service
1.1 Adopt precautionary

1.1.2 Enact harvest and/or export Within one year of o MMRI
approach for the
bans for specific species, deemed implementation of o MoFMRA
management of the fishery in
to be overexploited or subjected to this Plan
the absence of reliable data
overfishing.
or full scientific certainty
1.1.3 Coordinate with stakeholder Immediate o MMRI
agencies in designating and o MoFMRA
managing MPAs and ecologically o ME
significant areas for marine o Local Councils
aquarium fish species.
1.2 Promote the use of 1.2.1 Implement and enforce the Immediate o MoFMRA
environmentally friendly restriction on the use of fishing o MPS
gears and practices in the method or gear prohibited in the o MNDF-CG
MAF Fisheries Act (14/2019) and its
pursuant regulations.
1.2.2 Implement and enforce the ban Immediate o MoFMRA
on harvesting MAF species using o MPS

moxy nets. o MNDF-CG
1.3 Maintain a leading role 1.3.1 Actively participate in the Immediate o MMRI
in regional and international scientific and management processes o MoFMRA
fisheries management of SWIOFC and other relevant
organisations such as regional and international bodies.
RFMOs and Regional
Fishery Bodies (RFBs)
in management of the
MAF and conservation of
associated species
27
Objective 2 Prioritise evidence-based policymaking through the collection of biological, ecological, and socio-
economic data on the marine aquarium fishery and associated resources
2.1.1 Gather geographical Immediate o MoFMRA
information on fishing grounds o MMRI
using fishery data and field surveys o MoED
in order to study the spatio-temporal o Maldives Customs
exploitation patterns in the marine Service
2.1 Improve data collection aquarium fishery.
and management on
biological, ecological, and 2.1.2 Conduct series of surveys Immediate o MoFMRA
socio-economic aspects of the to identify and understand the
MAF to support evidence- socio-economic aspects of marine
based policymaking aquarium fishery in the Maldives
2.1.3 Establish, maintain and update Within one year of o MoFMRA
a fishers’ registry, Masveringe implementation of o Local Councils
Dhaftharu, to understand the level this Plan
of engagement in MAF fishery and
trade
Objective 3 Implement Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) measures and strengthen data collection and data
reporting mechanisms for the marine aquarium fishery and trade
3.1.1 Establish a harvest licensing Within one year of o MMRI
mechanism to effectively monitor implementation of o MoFMRA
the fishery. this Plan
3.1 Establish an effectively 3.1.2 Strengthen the implementation Immediate o MoFMRA
controlled and monitored of the current licensing mechanism o MFDA
trade flow to ensure all MAF holding facilities
are accounted for within the system.
3.1.3 Establish registration Immediate o MoFMRA
arrangements in Fisheries o Maldives Customs

Information System (FIS), Keyolhu, Service
for those engaged in the MAF and
trade.
28
3.2.1 Strengthen the existing Within one year of o MoFMRA
mechanism to collect catch and implementation of
effort data from harvesters through this Plan
fishery logbooks, and conduct
awareness programmes to ensure
that data submitted by fishers are
complete and accurate.
3.2.2 Require licensed MAF holding Immediate o MoFMRA
facilities to maintain and submit o Local Councils
3.2 Establish an efficient purchase records to the Ministry
documentation scheme for
MAF and trade 3.2.3 Require exporters to submit Within one year of o MoFMRA
purchase reports to the Ministry and implementation of
expand the catch documentation this Plan
scheme to cover MAF exports and to
ensure all MAF export consignments
are accompanied by a catch
certificate.
3.2.4 Further develop the FIS to Within one year of o MoFMRA
accommodate the entry of current implementation of
proforma data or equivalent by this Plan
the exporters for timely tracking of
quota performance.
3.3.1 Work with other government Immediate o MoFMRA
agencies (e.g. Customs, MFDA, o MFDA
MIRA) to monitor exports o MIRA
o Maldives Customs
Service
3.3 Establish an effective

3.3.2 Conduct trainings in species Immediate o MoFMRA
monitoring and enforcement
identification for Maldives Customs o MMRI
system to ensure effective
Service officials and other inspectors o Maldives Customs
compliance
Service
3.3.3 Conduct spot checks at MAF Immediate o MoFMRA
holding facilities, ports and the o Maldives Customs

airports to ensure compliance Service
with relevant requirements and o MMRI
regulations.
29
Objective 4 Increase education and awareness on marine aquarium fishery and resources amongst
stakeholders and the general public
4.1.1 Based on data availability, Short-term o MoFMRA
compile and disseminate (1 – 3 years) o MMRI
information on: o MoED
• status of the fishery; o MIRA
• trade and exports; and o Maldives Customs

4.1 Promote awareness and
• revenue to Maldives Service
understanding of the MAF
o NBS
and its contribution to the
Maldives economy
4.1.2 Educate fishers, traders, Immediate o Ministry
processors, exporters and o MMRI

enforcement officers about new and
existing regulations via workshops,
trainings and awareness campaigns
4.2 Promote appreciation 4.2.1 Implement a citizen science Medium-term o MMRI
for the marine environment monitoring programme to collect (3 – 5 years)
and resources through and record photographic and
public engagement in citizen observational data on reef resources
science programmes
30
Chapter 6
Management Measures
Under This Plan
The marine aquarium fishery is one that is wholly dependent on the delicate coral reef ecosystems.
The resources utilised in this fishery are prone to adverse impacts from various factors such as
anthropogenic activities, natural disasters and climate change. Therefore, in light of the expansion
of the fishery over the course of the years, as well as giving due consideration to the fishers and all
other stakeholders engaged in this fishery, it is critical that timely management measures and best
practices are introduced to ensure that this important resource is sustainably managed to the benefit
of the stakeholders and future generations. The measures that will be implemented to achieve the
objectives and strategies of this Plan are summarised below.
6.1 An advisory committee will be established to advise the Ministry on
Establishment management of marine aquarium fishery and trade. The committee will
of an Advisory also give recommendations to the Ministry on research and sustainable
Committee development of this fishery. The meetings of the committee will be convened
at least once per year.
31
The committee will comprise of the following members:
(a) Chairperson (a representative of the Fisheries Department of the

Ministry);
(b) A representative from the MMRI;
(c) 3 representatives of marine aquarium fishers and the export industry;
(d) A representative from the Ministry of Environment;
(e) A representative from the Ministry of Economic Development;
(f) A representative from the Maldives Customs Service; and
(g) A representative from a relevant locally registered NGO.
A public announcement will be made by the Ministry, calling for Expression

of Interest for the following Committee positions:
• Representatives of marine aquarium fishers and the export industry; and

• Representative from a relevant locally registered NGO.
The responsibilities of the Committee will include:
(a) Reviewing technical and other reports pertaining to the marine

aquarium fishery;
(b) Advising the Ministry on implementation of relevant regional and
international management measures on a national scale;
(c) Monitoring the implementation of this Plan and providing advice to the
Ministry on an annual basis;
(d) Advising the Ministry on management measures in response to
the outcomes and recommendations from the technical reports and
stakeholder workshops and consultations; and
(e) Advising the Ministry on the implementation, monitoring and review
of this Plan.
32
6.2 Licensing One of the overarching aims of establishing a licensing mechanism is to

identify parties that are engaged in the fishery and those who are economically
dependent on the fishery resources. Such a mechanism also supports the
collection and management of fisheries data. Furthermore, the licensing
mechanism plays a crucial role in providing the Ministry with information
that contributes towards the development of the fisheries sector and the
extension of essential services to fishers.
In addition, a licensing mechanism also allows for the formal recognition

of stakeholders engaged in the fishery and trade, which in turn facilitates
the Ministry to safeguard their rights and ensure their social and economic
security. Maintaining records of the fishing fleet and crew members, as well
as information on fish processing facilities, through a licensing system assures
the international community that the Maldivian fisheries are effectively and
responsibly managed. Such records also serve as an important basis for
planning and implementing fishery development projects.
In light of these considerations, the following parties operating within the

marine aquarium fishery and trade will be required to acquire a license:
(a) All commercial fishing vessels

(b) All MAF holding and packing facilities
The general process of application for and issuance of licenses, their renewal
and revocation as well as conditions of the licenses will be set forth in the
relevant regulations. The Ministry will establish, maintain and update a
database of licensed parties.
6.3 Data Collection and management of comprehensive catch and effort data and
Collection and maintenance of fisheries statistics is an important measure that contributes
Management towards assessing changes in the abundance of fish stocks in response

to fishing. It also plays a critical role in ensuring that stocks are fished at
sustainable levels and that future generations continue to benefit from these
resources. The fundamental tool used for this purpose is the fishery logbooks,
33
in which catch composition, fuel usage, fishing grounds and other trip details,
for each fishing trip, are recorded and submitted by the licensed vessels. Other
vital information collected on the fisheries sector include details on processing
and trade of fish and fishery products.
In consideration of the aforementioned factors, an integrated data collection

system will be established and used to collect the following information:
• Logbook / fishery data from licensed fishing vessels;

• Purchase reports from licensed MAF holding and packing facilities;
and
• Purchase reports from parties exporting MAF species.
6.4 Total From the early days of the marine aquarium fishery in the Maldives to the
Allowable present, this fishery has seen swift expansion, with a considerable increase
Export (TAE) in the number of exports. Therefore, with due consideration to the rapid
Limit environmental shifts seen in recent times and the future of this fishery and
its dependants, Total Allowable Export (TAE) limits will be established for
368 marine aquarium fish species. This will also include several species not
accounted for within the previous quota system. Quotas for several species are
based on the proposed limits in the 2014 review of the fishery. A number of
factors have been considered in the formulation of these TAE limits, including
the following:
• Vulnerability;
• Resilience;
• Abundance and population trends;
• Distribution;
• Ecological significance of species;
• Price;
• Demand and ease of capture;
• Suitability for captivity; and
• The importance of the species in the context of other fisheries practiced
in the Maldives.
34
6.5 Catch Catch certification is an essential instrument that helps prevent, deter and
Certification eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Through such a
scheme, the catch is certified to have been made in accordance with applicable
laws, regulations and international conservation and management measures,
fully assuring consumers that the fish traded in the Maldives are sourced
from a sustainably and responsibly managed fishery.
The catch certification scheme established by the Ministry will be expanded

to include marine aquarium fishery exports, and all exporters will be required
to submit an approved catch certificate with all consignments of marine
aquarium fish species. Details of the fishing vessel, date of catch as well as
information on the holding facility will also be collected through the scheme.
This will help to track the flow of the product through the supply chain,
ensuring product traceability at all stages.
6.6 The Precautionary Approach promotes the application of timely and cost-
Precautionary effective measures to safeguard ecosystems and prevent irreparable damage
Measures to them, despite the lack of full scientific certainty. This approach falls within
the purview of international best practices for sustainable management of
natural resources (UNCED, 1982). In this regard, additional measures that are
not stated in this Plan may be taken to protect and manage marine aquarium
fishery resources. These measures may include but are not limited to the
following:
(a) Declaring the closure of a specific area and prohibiting the extraction of
MAF resources from such no-take zones;
(b) Prohibiting the harvesting, trade or export of a specific species
harvested in the MAF;
(c) Introduce additional Total Allowable Export (TAE) limits and Total
Allowable Catch (TAC) limits and revise existing limits; and
(d) Impose other restrictions on activities that may affect MAF resources.
35
Chapter 7
Implementation of this Plan
The Ministry is responsible for the implementation of each objective in this management plan, by
strategies and actions, as outlined and in coordination with the relevant agencies. The Ministry shall
also formulate a regulation, under the Fisheries Act of the Maldives, to implement and enforce all
marine aquarium fishery management measures stated in this Plan. The Maldives Marine Research
Institute shall formulate and implement a plan of action to undertake all research activities that the
institute is responsible for under this Plan.
Chapter 8
Reviewing the Management Plan
This Plan will be reviewed and revised every 6 (six) years. The Ministry will ensure the engagement
of marine aquarium fish harvesters, processors, exporters, civil society and other stakeholders in the
review process. Where there is an immediate need to revise any part(s) or measures of this Plan, the
Ministry shall carry out such revisions in consultation with the Committee.
36
References
Adam, M., R. Anderson, and H. Shakeel. 1997. Saleem, M., and F. Islam. 2008. Management
Commercial exploitation of reef resources: of the aquarium fishery in the Republic of
examples of sustainable and non-sustainable the Maldives. Page Proceedings of the 11th
utilisation from the Maldives. Malé. International Coral Reef Symposium, Session
22: 1038–1042. Ft. Lauderdale.
Adam, M. S. 1995. Review of the aquarium
fish trade of the Maldives with proposals for Saleem, M. R., and M. S. Adam. 2004. Review
monitoring and regulation. Malé. of the Aquarium Fish Industry in the Maldives
– 2003. Malé.
Edwards, A. J. and Shepherd, A. D. 1992,.
Environmental Implications of Aquarium-fish Waldie, P. A., S. P. Blomberg, K. L. Cheney, A.
Collection in the Maldives, with Proposals W. Goldizen, and A. S. Grutter. 2011. Long-Term
for Regulation. Environmental Conservation Effects of the Cleaner Fish Labroides dimidiatus
19(1):61–72. Cambridge University Press. on Coral Reef Fish Communities. PLoS ONE
6(6):e21201. Public Library of Science.
Lefcheck, J. S., A. A. Innes-Gold, S. J. Brandl,
R. S. Steneck, R. E. Torres, and D. B. Rasher. Wood, E., M. Ushan, S. Sattar, A. Najeeb, and
2019. Tropical fish diversity enhances coral F. Islam. 2014. Maldives Marine Aquarium
reef functioning across multiple scales. Science Fishery Review. Male’.
Advances 5(3). American Association for the
Advancement of Science.
Naseer, A., and B. G. Hatcher. 2004. Assessing

the integrated growth response of coral reefs to
monsoon forcing using morphometric analysis
of reefs in the Maldives. Coral Reefs 23:161–168.
Rasher, D. B., A. S. Hoey, and M. E. Hay.
2013. Consumer diversity interacts with prey
defenses to drive ecosystem function. Ecology
94(6):1347–1358. NIH Public Access.
37
Annex 1: Glossary
(a) Commercial Fishing or Harvesting for the purpose of obtaining a financial benefit
Fishing
(b) Enforcement Any officer designated pursuant to Section 57 of the Act No. 14/2019
officer (Fisheries Act of the Maldives) to enforce regulations made under the Act.
(c) Fisheries Persons who are appointed for and by the Ministry under Section 58 of the
Ranger Act No. 14/2019 (Fisheries Act of the Maldives).
(d) Fishing / (1) Searching for the purpose of catching, taking, killing and harvesting
Harvesting of fish;
(2) Attempting to search for, catch, take, kill or harvest fish;
(3) Engaging in any other activity that results in the searching, catching,
taking, killing or harvesting of fish;
(4) Placing or searching or retaking of any fish aggregating device or
equipment including “radio beacons”;
(5) Undertaking any operation at sea or on an island in preparation for
any activity mentioned in subsections (1), (2), (3) or (4).
(e) Fishing Any type of vessel, ship or any other thing which is used for fishing,
vessels which has been prepared for fishing, or which is usually used for fishing
or related activities.
(f) Logbook Any instruments provided to record data on fishing trips, including
catch and effort data, submitted electronically or via any other medium
determined by the Ministry
(g) Management Plans made with regard to fisheries planning, management and
plans development pursuant to Chapter Three of the Act No. 14/2019 (Fisheries
Act of the Maldives).
38
(h) Captain / Person holding the most responsible position at any given time on-board
Master a fishing vessel
(i) Minister The minister responsible for fisheries, including aquaculture.
(j) Ministry The ministry responsible for fisheries, including aquaculture.
(k) Precautionary In the absence of complete information based on scientific research or
measures where a matter has not been proved, measures adopted to manage the
natural resources in a sustainable manner considering the possibility of an
adverse outcome if such measures are not taken.
(l) Processing Activities undertaken to package, pack or bring any change to fish in order
to preserve fish for a long period.
(m) Processing Lands, buildings, or such other places on or in which:
Facilities
(1) fish or aquaculture products are cleaned, packaged, dried, salted,
chilled, frozen or otherwise processed for sale in and outside the
Maldives; or
(2) fish or aquaculture products are stored for the purposes of
packaging, canning, drying, cleaning, salting, chilling, freezing or
otherwise for processing for sale in and outside the Maldives.
(n) Protected All species, including those with size restrictions, protected from targeting,
species extraction, retaining, processing or trading under any regulations or

management plans made pursuant to Act No.: 2019/14 (Fisheries Act of
Maldives)
(o) Fisheries A web-enabled fishery information system designed to upload record
Information catch data and issue permits and licenses to fishery and fishery related
System - Keyolhu activities.
39
Annex 2: List of TAE for Each Species
Species Quota Species Quota
Amphiprion chagosensis 0 Centropyge flavipectoralis 50

Apolemichthys armitagei 0 Chaetodon decussatus 50
Arothron stellatus 0 Chaetodon vagabundus 50
Canthigaster coronata 0 Cheilinus trilobatus 50
Canthigaster tyleri 0 Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis 50
Centropyge eibli 0 Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis 50
Cetoscarus bicolor 0 Cirrhitichthys aprinus 50
Chaetodon andamanensis 0 Cirrihitus pinnulatus 50
Chaetodon bennetti 0 Cirripectes quagga 50
Chaetodon meyeri 0 Cirripectes stigmaticus 50
Chaetodon triangulum 0 Coris aygula 50
Chaetodon trifascialis 0 Dendrochirus brachypterus 50
Chaetodon trifasciatus 0 Dendrochirus zebra 50
Diodon liturosus 0 Hologymnosus doliatus 50
Exallias brevis 0 Labrichthys unilineatus 50
Oxymonacanthus longirostris 0 Oxycheinus bimaculatus 50
Paracanthurus hepatus 0 Plesiops coeruleolineatus 50
Pomacanthus annularis 0 Pseudanthias hypselosoma 50
Pomacanthus semicirculatus 0 Pseudochelinus octotaenia 50
Rhinomuraena quaesita 0 Ptereleotris hanae 50
Acanthurus tristis 50 Rhinecanthus cinereus 50
Bodianus anthioides 50 Sebastapistes cyanostigma 50
Bodianus bimaculatus 50 Stethojulis bandanensis 50
Calloplesiops altivelis 50 Taenianotus triacanthus 50
Centropyge acanthops 50 Tomiyamichthys latruncularius 50
Centropyge bispinosa 50 Valenciennea helsdingenii 50
40
Valenciennea puellaris 50 Pseudodax moluccanus 500

Anampses lineatus 100 Stonogobiops dracula 500
Apolemichthys xanthurus 100 Pterois antennata 600
Coris formosa 100 Balistoides conspicillum 800
Heniochus singularis 100 Ostracion meleagris 800
Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides 100 Abudefduf bicolor 1000
Plectorhinchus vittatus 100 Acanthurus mata 1000
Pterois volitans 100 Acanthurus nigricauda 1000
Acanthurus maculiceps 200 Acanthurus nigrofuscus 1000
Anampses caeruleopunctatus 200 Acanthurus pyroferus 1000
Chaetodon interruptus 200 Acanthurus strigosus 1000
Inistius pavo 200 Acanthurus tennenti 1000
Naso unicornis 200 Acanthurus triostegus 1000
Platax orbicularis 200 Aluterus scriptus 1000
Pomacanthus xanthometopon 200 Amblyeleotris callopareia 1000
Pseudobalistes fuscus 200 Amblyeleotris steinitzi 1000
Coris cuvieri 250 Amblyeleotris sungami 1000
Acanthurus guttatus 300 Amblyeleotris wheeleri 1000
Chaetodon lineolatus 300 Amblygobius phalaena 1000
Paracheilinus mccoskeri 300 Amblygobius semicinctus 1000
Pterois radiata 300 Antennarius biocellatus 1000
Chaetodon mitratus 500 Antennarius hispidus 1000
Gobiodon citrinus 500 Antennarius maculatus 1000
Halichoeres vrolikii 500 Antennarius pauciradiatus 1000
Oxycirrhites typus 500 Antennarius commerson 1000
Paracirrhites arcatus 500 Antennarius pictus 1000
41
Antennatus nummifer 1000 Chaetodon oxycephalus 1000

Antennatus coccineus 1000 Chaetodon unimaculatus 1000
Apogon apogonides 1000 Cheillinus chlorourus 1000
Apogon luxuria 1000 Cheilodipterus isostigma 1000
Apolemichthys trimaculatus 1000 Cirrhitichthys bleekeri 1000
Arothron mappa 1000 Comanthina nobilis 1000
Arothron nigropunctatus 1000 Coris frerei 1000
Bodianus bilunulatus 1000 Corythoichthys haematopterus 1000
Bodianus diana 1000 Corythoichthys intestinalis 1000
Bodianus opercularis 1000 Cryptocentrus cinctus 1000
Bothus ocellatus 1000 Cryptocentrus cinctus 1000
Caesio teres 1000 Cryptocentrus cyanotaenia 1000
Callionymus cooperi 1000 Cryptocentrus fasciatus 1000
Callionymus delicatulus 1000 Cryptocentrus fasciatus 1000
Callionymus gardineri 1000 Cryptocentrus lutheri 1000
Callionymus persicus 1000 Ctenochaetus binotatus 1000
Callionymus tenuis 1000 Ctenochaetus striatus 1000
Cantherhines pullus 1000 Dascyllus aruanus 1000
Centropyge bispinosus 1000 Dascyllus carneus 1000
Chaetodon baronessa 1000 Dascyllus trimaculatus 1000
Chaetodon citrinellus 1000 Doryrhamphus bicarinatus 1000
Chaetodon collare 1000 Doryrhamphus excisus excisus 1000
Chaetodon ephippium 1000 Dunckerocampus multiannulatus 1000
Chaetodon guttatissimus 1000 Echinaster sepositus 1000
Chaetodon kleinii 1000 .Echinaster sp 1000
Chaetodon octofaciatus 1000 Ecsenius midas 1000
42
Ecsenius minutus 1000 Halichoeres trispilus 1000

Epibulus insidiator 1000 Halichores scapularis 1000
Forcipiger flavissimus 1000 Helcogramma maldivensis 1000
Forcipiger longirostris 1000 Hemigymnus fasciatus 1000
Formia nodosa 1000 Hemigymnus fasciatus 1000
Fromia indica 1000 Hemitaurichthys zoster 1000
Fromia monilis 1000 Heniochus accuminatus 1000
Fromia nodosa 1000 Heniochus acuminatus 1000
.Fromia sp 1000 Heniochus chrysostomus 1000
Fusigobius duospilus 1000 Heniochus monoceros 1000
Fusigobius humeralis 1000 Heniochus permutatus 1000
Fusigobius inframaculatus 1000 Heniochus pleurotaenia 1000
Fusigobius longispinus 1000 Histrio histrio 1000
Fusigobius neophytus 1000 Hologymnosus annaulatus 1000
Fusigobius pallidus 1000 Hologymnosus longipes 1000
Genicanthus caudovittatus 1000 Hoplolatilus chlupatyi 1000
Gnathanodon speciosus 1000 Iniistius dea 1000
Gomophia 1000 Koumansetta hectori 1000
Gomphosus caeruleus 1000 Labroides bicolor 1000
Gomphosus varius 1000 Larabicus quadrilineatus 1000
Halichoeres hortulanus 1000 Lethrinus crocineus 1000
Halichoeres lutescens 1000 Liopropoma africanum 1000
Halichoeres margaritaceus 1000 Liopropoma fasciatum 1000
Halichoeres marginatus 1000 Liopropoma latifasciatum 1000
Halichoeres melanurus 1000 Lissiosquillina maculata 1000
Halichoeres salmofasciatus 1000 Lutjanus kasmira 1000
43
Luzonichthys whitleyi 1000 Odonus niger 1000

Lysmata amboinensis 1000 Opistognathus lonchurus 1000
Macolor niger 1000 Ostracion cubicus 1000
Macrodontogobius wilburi 1000 Oxycomanthus bennetti 1000
Macropharyngodon cyanoguttatus 1000 Parachelinus carpenteri 1000
Macropharyngodon ornatus 1000 Paracirrhites forsteri 1000
Malacanthus brevirostris 1000 Paragobiodon modestus 1000
Meiacanthus smithi 1000 Paraluterus prionurus 1000
Melichthys indicus 1000 Parapercis hexophtalma 1000
Mulloidichthys flavolineatus 1000 Parapercis punctulata 1000
Mulloidichthys vanicolensis 1000 Parapriacanthus ransonneti 1000
Myripristis adusta 1000 Parupeneus barberinus 1000
Myripristis berndti 1000 Parupeneus cyclostomus 1000
Myripristis botche 1000 Parupeneus indicus 1000
Myripristis hexagona 1000 Parupeneus macronemus 1000
Myripristis jacobus 1000 Parupeneus pleurostigma 1000
Myripristis kuntee 1000 Parupeneus rubescens 1000
Myripristis murdjan 1000 Parupeneus trifasciatus 1000
Myripristis pralinia 1000 Periclimenes 1000
Myripristis violacea 1000 Platycephalus speculator 1000
Myripristis vittata 1000 Plectorhinchus albovittatus 1000
Naso brevirostris 1000 Plectorhinchus gibbosus 1000
Naso vlamingii 1000 Plectorhinchus lineatus 1000
Neoniphon opercularis 1000 Plectorhinchus nigrus 1000
Neopomacentrus cyanomos 1000 Plectorhinchus picus 1000
Nudibranch 1000 Pomacanthus imperator 1000
44
Pomacentrus caeruleus 1000 Sargocentron caudimaculatum 1000

Pomacentrus coelestis 1000 Sargocentron cornutum 1000
Pomacentrus indicus 1000 Sargocentron diadema 1000
Pseudanthias charleneae 1000 Sargocentron macrosquamis 1000
Pseudanthias cooperi 1000 Sargocentron melanospilos 1000
Pseudanthias dispar 1000 Sargocentron punctatissimum 1000
Pseudanthias fasciatus 1000 Sargocentron spiniferum 1000
Pseudanthias taira 1000 Sargocentron tiere 1000
Pseudanthias truncatus 1000 Sargocentron tiereoides 1000
Pseudanthias bicolor 1000 Sargocentron violaceum 1000
Pseudocheilinus evanidus 1000 Sargocentron microstoma 1000
Pseudochromis coccinicauda 1000 Shrimp 1000
Pseudojulis melanotus 1000 Soleichthys heterorhinos 1000
Pseudorhombus jenynsii 1000 Solenostomus cyanopterus 1000
Ptereleotris evides 1000 Stegastes nigricans 1000
Ptereleotris grammica 1000 Stethojulis albovittata 1000
Ptereleotris heteroptera 1000 Sunagocia otaitensis 1000
Ptereleotris microlepis 1000 Terelabrus dewapyle 1000
Ptereleotris zebra 1000 Terelabrus flavocephalus 1000
Pterocaesio pisang 1000 Terelabrus rubrovittatus 1000
Pterocaesio tile 1000 Terelebrus rubrovittatus 1000
Pterois miles 1000 Thalassoma amblycephalum 1000
Rathbunella hypoplecta 1000 Thalassoma hardwicke 1000
Rhinecanthus aculeatus 1000 Thalassoma lunare 1000
Rhinecanthus lunula 1000 Upeneus heemstra 1000
Rhinecanthus rectangulus 1000 Upeneus taeniopterus 1000
45
Upeneus vittatus 1000 Amphiprion clarkii 5000

Valenciennea strigata 1000 Amphiprion nigripes 5000
Wetmorella nigropinnata 1000 Chaetodon auriga 5000
Xanthichthys auromarginatus 1000 Cirrhilabrus exquisitus 5000
Zebrasoma veliferum 1000 Ctenochaetus strigosus 5000
Bodianus axillaris 1500 Halichoeres cosmetus 5000
Chaetodon lunula 1500 Halichoeres scapularis 5000
Chaetodon melannotus 1500 Naso lituratus 5000
Synchiropus stellatus 1500 Nemateleotris decora 5000
Zanclus cornutus 1500 Pseudanthias bimaculatus 5000
Centropyge multispinis 2000 Pygoplites diacanthus 5000
Chaetodon madagaskariensis 2000 Zebrasoma scopas 5000
Macropharyngodon bipartitus 2000 Naso elegans 5000
Novaculichthys taeniourus 2000 Labroides dimidiatus 7000
Pseudanthias ignitus 2000 Zebrasoma desjardinii 7000
Amblyeleotris aurora 2500 Pseudanthias pulcherrimus 8000
Salarias fasciatus 2500 Blenniella chrysospilos 10000
Anampses meleagrides 3000 Nemateleotris magnifica 10000
Chaetodon falcula 3000 Pseudanthias parvirostris 10000
Ecsenius lineatus 3000 Valenciennea sexguttata 10000
Thalassoma quinquevittatum 3000 Nemanthias carberryi 15000
Chaetodon xanthocephalus 4000 Pseudanthias evansi 15000
Ecsenius bicolor 4000 Pseudocheilinus hexataenia 15000
Halichoeres leucoxanthus 4000 Acanthurus leucosternon 20000
Acanthurus lineatus 5000 Pseudanthias squamipinnis 80000
46
Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources & Agriculture
Malé, Maldives
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Maldives Marine Aquarium

Fishery Management Plan

Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources & Agriculture

For bibliographic purposes, this management plan shall be cited as:

Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture

6 List of Tables 26 Part 5: Purpose, Objectives

6 List of Figures and Strategies

9 Chapter 1: Preamble 31 6.1 Establishment of an Advisory

9 1.1 Introduction and Title Committee

9 1.2 Overall Purpose 33 6.2 Licensing

10 1.3 Scope and Application 33 6.3 Data Collection and Management

10 1.4 Guiding Principles 34 6.4 Total Allowable Export (TAE) Limit

11 1.5 Interpretation 35 6.5 Catch Certification

11 1.6 Entry into Force 35 6.6 Precautionary Measures

12 Part 2: Habitat and Ecology 36 Part 7: Implementation of

12 2.1 Species and Their Habitats this Plan

18 3.1 Inception and Development 37 References

13 Table 1: Top 20 most exported species by number in 2017 and their

17 Table 2: Two potential keystone species within the 20 most exported

23 Table 3: Reef Area in Use in the Collection of Marine Aquarium Fishes

27 Table 4: Breakdown of each objective, by strategies, actions, time frame

18 Figure 1: Percentage of invertebrates and fish by number in annual MAF

19 Figure 2: Scoop net used in the marine aquarium fishery

21 Figure 5: Percentage exports to Sri Lanka from 1997-2019

Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources

which all Maldivians hold a share. These plans

FIS Fisheries Information System

IGO Intergovernmental Organisation

LGA Local Government Authority

MFDA Maldives Food and Drug Authority

MIRA Maldives Inland Revenue Authority

MMRI Maldives Marine Research Institute

MNDF-CG Maldives National Defence Force, Coast Guard

MoED Ministry of Economic Development

MPS Maldives Police Services

NBS National Bureau of Statistics

RFBs Regional Fisheries Bodies

SDFC SME Development Finance Corporation

SWIOFC Southwest Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission

TAC Total Allowable Catch

TAE Total Allowable Exports

UCSB University of California, Santa Barbara

1.2 Overall The overall purpose of the management plan is to:

(b) Guide the authorities and stakeholders in the sustainable development

Application purposes, included in Appendix 2.

Principles be taken to safeguard ecosystems and prevent irreparable damage to them

1.4.2 Ecosystem-based management: The various and variety of interactions

1.4.3 Universal Responsibility: Local policies governing marine resource

1.4.4 Sustainable Development: In developing the fishery, the needs of

1.4.5 Equity: Resources shall be acknowledged as shared common good, and

1.4.6 Participatory Approach: All stakeholders, particularly those who are

Interpretation given the meanings specified in Annex 1: Glossary.

Habitat and Ecology

or patch reefs of clear

outer reef slopes

outer reef lagoons.

substrate. Also occurs

patch reefs on sand or

rubble seaward slopes

lagoons and sub-tidal