The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has granted commercial export quotas to seven licensed enterprises for the trade of amberfish sea cucumber (Thelenota anax). The annual allocations, determined under a sustainable management framework, were awarded to eligible applicants who submitted processing and trade requests through the government’s dedicated "Keyolhu" digital portal.
Amberfish, a high-value variety harvested in the country's sea cucumber fishery, was classified under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2022 following evidence of declining global populations. Under international treaty standards, species listed on Appendix II can only be commercially exported if the exporting nation's designated scientific authority establishes that international trade will not jeopardize the survival of wild stocks.
To fulfill these regulatory obligations, the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI)—acting as the national scientific authority—formulated a scientific Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) assessment. The evaluation examined regional stock health and replenishment rates, determining that controlled exploitation remains sustainable only if strict volume thresholds are maintained throughout the designated twelve-month operational cycle.
Guided by the MMRI's ecological findings, the ministry established a national annual export quota capped strictly at 10.95 metric tons of dried amberfish. The statutory CITES export permits, covering shipments effective through September 19, 2027, will be apportioned and tracked under this mandatory national threshold to prevent overharvesting.
The seven corporate entities awarded export allotments under the regulated scheme are Ocean Tides International, SM Investment, Malak Investment, Vilingili Fish Village, Sky Go International Pvt Ltd, Fames Group of Industry Pvt Ltd, and Trade Bridge Private Investment. All selected operators must adhere to rigorous documentation, monitoring, and tracing procedures throughout the handling and shipping pipeline.