License to be introduced to process by-catches during longline fishing

Fisheries Ministry has decided to introduce a license for the management of non-targeted bycatch species, including sharks, caught in longline fishing.

The Ministry, in a statement, said underscored the government’s decision to reopen longline tuna fisheries in the Maldives with sustainable management measures in place and in this regard noted that a draft of the associated regulation has been publicized on the Ministry’s website for public comments and has been shared with primary stakeholders, handline fishers, yellowfin tuna processors as well as various other government and enforcement agencies for their feedback.

“Considering the past experience and the advice of other longlining fishing States, provisions have been included in the draft regulation to ensure that the fishery is beneficial to Maldivians and adheres to globally recognized sustainability standards and international best practices,” the statement read.

As per the Ministry, the regulation includes provisions for the management of bycatch species such as sharks.

While stressing that targeted shark fishing will remain prohibited, the Ministry said the regulation will allow for non-targeted bycatch species, including sharks, caught in longline fishing to be landed and processed in specially licensed facilities, in accordance with globally accepted best practices and principles.

“The regulation also enforces strict measures to minimize shark bycatch. These include banning wire traces and shark lines, regulating line depths, and mandating the release of live sharks brought on board with minimal harm,” the Ministry added.

Furthermore, the Ministry stressed that dead sharks must be brought ashore with their fins naturally attached, in line with globally accepted best practices.

The Ministry also cited further measures aimed at reducing bycatch discards; following the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and other guidelines from relevant international organizations requires sharks caught incidentally as bycatch to be processed in specially licensed facilities that comply with stringent licensing conditions, similar to other authorized fish processing plants.

Fisheries Ministry states the proposed regulation governing longline fishing is in accordance with international best practices.

Fishermen have repeatedly voiced concern about the difficulties they face due to sharks and have called to lift the ban on shark fishing. However, Fisheries Ministry has stated they have no plans to lift the ban.