The Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA) has issued a warning today that the capture and keeping of migratory birds that migrate to the Maldives during the southwest monsoon must stop, and violators will face penalties.

ERA stated that various species of seasonal birds migrate to the Maldives from different parts of the world during the southwest monsoon, and such birds are protected wildlife under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act and its regulations. Therefore, capturing and keeping such birds is prohibited, and those who do so will be fined.

The authority emphasized that protecting migratory birds is crucial for maintaining the Maldives’ biodiversity and ecosystem health. Additionally, the Maldives has obligations under international treaties it has ratified, such as the Convention on Migratory Species, to provide protection to such birds.

ERA noted that every year during this season, migratory birds are caught with nets and traps, killed, and kept in cages, and these are used for trade and as pet birds. Therefore, ERA has instructed people to refrain from such activities and to release any captured birds.

The authority has requested that if information related to these matters is received, it should be shared via ERA’s hotline 7980379 or by email.