The Regulations on the Fishermen's Registry, which seeks to enhance the welfare of local fishers, have been gazetted.
The compilation of a national register of local fishers was a key electoral pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The new regulations were gazetted as part of the efforts to fulfil the pledge.
The regulation aims to ensure social security for fishermen, crew members, and vessel owners through the register, and ensure that they are state-recognised. Applications for registration must be submitted through the Keyolhu application. Once boat owners or operators are registered, the boat's sailor and crew members, including locals and foreigners, must be registered. Relevant licences for different types of fishing, all fishing-related activities, and vessels will be issued after successful registration.
From the date the regulation comes into effect, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources must ensure those seeking services related to the fishermen from the ministry are registered. Those who are not registered will be entitled to the services once their registration is completed.
The regulation further requires the Fisheries Ministry to ensure financial and social services are accessible to those registered in the fisheries register.
The regulation states that it is the responsibility of the vessel's owner or operator to ensure the accuracy of the information submitted for registration in the fisheries register. In cases where information listed in the fishermen's registry requires a change, it is the responsibility of the fishing vessel owner or operator to update the information via the Keyolhu application within seven days from the date of the change. The Fisheries Ministry is also required to update and maintain the information.