Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Dr. Hassan Rasheed said that the division of the disputed maritime zone between Maldives and Mauritius will not have any impact on the country's fisheries.
In the hearing held on Friday, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) upheld Maldives' claim for a larger share of the disputed waters with Mauritius.
Dr. Hussain said in a press conference at the President's Office last night that Maldives depends on Skipjack Tuna fisheries, and the loss of a specific area would not affect the sector.
Dr. Hussain said that Maldives is situated in the Indian Ocean, and fish are not limited to Exclusive Economic Zones of Maldives or any other country.
"Mauritius had assured to maintain the conservation zone set up by the UK in the area it received. It will also benefit the country," he said.
The Minister said that there have been measures taken in the past to deal with vessels that unlawfully entered the Maldives' southern sea in a 24-mile radius. He noted that following the recent tribunal verdict, such measures would extend to any vessels unlawfully entering the Maldives in a 200-mile radius.
According to Dr. Hussain, catching Skipjack tuna using cast net fishing has been a persistent issue in the Indian Ocean. Despite this, he mentioned that cast net fishing is not permitted in the area that Mauritius has been granted.
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