A resolution has been submitted to the Parliament calling to reverse the decision to permit gulper shark fishing in the Maldives.
The resolution, put forward by Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas, highlighted that shark species have slow growth rates and low reproduction rates.
Abbas underscored that the shark species play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem including regulating prey populations and overall health of the ocean. He stressed that gulp shark fishing would reduce the shark population, creating an imbalance in marine biodiversity, which, in turn, would negatively impact Maldives’ fisheries sector.
Additionally, Abbas highlighted that gulper shark fishing could harm tourism and damage the Maldives’ reputation for sustainability. He added that there will be backlash from foreign environmental protection organizations and activists.
Abbas noted that while allowing gulper shark fishing might bring short-term economic gains to the Maldives, it would have detrimental long-term effects. As such, he urged the government against permitting gulper shark fishing.
The Maldives has had a blanket ban on shark fishing since 2010. But in August, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the decision to partially lift this plan to allow gulper shark fishing.
The regulation on the management of gulper shark fishery was published by the Fisheries Ministry on Friday, effectively reversing this ban. Under this regulation, the license for gulper shark fisheries will be limited to 40 vessels and gulper shark fishery will only be permitted from December 1 to June 30 each year.