The government has publicized the regulation governing gulper shark fishing, allowing permits for a maximum of 40 vessels.
The decision overturns the shark fishing ban that had been established under former President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced on August 26th, during a meeting with residents of HDh Kulhudhuffushi, that gulper shark fishing would be permitted beginning November 1st.
Fisheries Ministry publicized the regulation governing gulp shark fishing on Friday, including a plan to manage this sector of fisheries.
According to the regulation, permit to fish gulper sharks will only be issued to a maximum of 40 vessels. If applications exceed 40, applicants’ names will be recorded and added to a register based on the order they were received.
They will be issued the permit on a first-come, first-served basis. The license issued under the regulation will be valid from November 1st till the end of October of the following year.
Gulp shark fishing will only be allowed outside the atoll area. It can only be carried out in accordance with rules set forth by the Ministry and for a period of no more than seven months per year.
Gulp shark and gulp shark products exporters should only purchase gulp sharks from parties that have the license to fish or process gulp sharks.
 
Violations of the regulation can result in a fine of up to MVR 400,000. Fisheries of shark species other than gulp sharks can result in a fine of MVR 100,000.