Gulper shark fishing to resume in Maldives from November

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on Tuesday evening that gulper shark fishing will be permitted in the Maldives starting this November.

The move reverses a ban on shark fishing that was implemented during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed.

Speaking at a public meeting in Kulhudhuffushi, Haa Dhaalu atoll, President Muizzu urged the public to prepare for the resumption of shark fishing. He stated that the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment have already examined the matter and that allowing it will "open a very important door."

Kulhudhuffushi has historically been the largest gulper shark fishery in the Maldives, and various parties have repeatedly requested the government to lift the ban.

This decision comes after the government previously considered allowing longline fishing but reversed course following concerns raised by the Bodu Kanneli Masverinnge Union.

Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam noted that President Muizzu prioritized addressing the concerns of those working in the industry over the potential benefits of longline fishing.

The government has previously altered decisions in response to industry worker concerns, though it has faced criticism for such reversals in the past.