The Maldives Police Service has completed its investigation into the alleged illegal slaughter and consumption of sea turtles on the uninhabited island of Hulhudhoo in Baa Atoll, forwarding the case to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for further action.

According to police, the case was reported on the morning of April 11, 2026, at approximately 11:18 a.m.

Authorities were alerted to the incident by the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office.

Following the investigation, the police have submitted their findings to the EPA to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against those suspected of involvement.

Under the Maldives’ Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, sea turtles are classified as a protected species.

Individuals found guilty of harming or consuming them face significant financial penalties.

Baa Atoll, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is subject to heightened environmental protections, with authorities treating offences against its biodiversity with particular seriousness.

In a similar case in 2023, seven individuals from Kendhoo were implicated in the slaughter of sea turtles on the uninhabited island of Keyodhoo within the same atoll.

Each was initially fined MVR 198,000, though the penalty was later reduced to MVR 33,000 per person after they contested the amount.