The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that the seven Baa atoll Kendhoo locals who were fined for poaching and consuming turtles have not settled their dues so far.
The locals had poached and consumed the animals in Keyodhoo, an uninhabited island in the same atoll, which was reported earlier in June.
On Sunday, July 30, the EPA confirmed that the seven culpable parties had not settled their fines within the deadline. Each party was fined MVR 198,000 for the offense on June 20, mandating them to pay the amount within 30 days, but the fines had not been settled according to the agency’s Director Ibrahim Naeem.
Maldives Police Service were alerted of illegal turtle poaching on February 3, after which they visited the uninhabited island and shared their findings with EPA.
EPA confirmed that six turtles were poached and consumed by the individuals, and evidence was collected from the scene.
Turtles and tortoises have been listed among the protected species in the Maldives since April 4, 2016, under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act.
Despite the criminalization and hefty fines imposed by the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, the practice of turtle poaching and consumption has not diminished among some locals in the Maldives.
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