Maldives Billfish Fishery Management Plan, 2020

This Plan is made pursuant to Article 18 of the Act No. 2019/14 for the management of the fishery and is the primary basis for guiding the authorities and stakeholders in the sustainable development of the billfish fishery and trade in the Maldives. Chapter 1 contains the introduction, title, overall purpose, scope and application, guiding principles and interpretation. Chapter 2 contains the information about various Billfish biology, habitat and behaviour. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the Fishery. Chapter 4 contains Objectives and Strategies of this Plan such as application of guiding principles, evidence-based policymaking, implementing a MCS mechanism, equitable benefits and increasing education and awareness. The strategies under each of the objectives are provided in this chapter. Chapter 5 provides management measures such as establishment of an Advisory Committee, licencing requirements, data collection, catch certification, size limit and precautionary measures. Chapter 6 and 7 provide for the implementation and reviewing the management plan.