The Maldives Ocean Alliance (MOA) welcomes the recent announcement by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources confirming that the shark fishing ban will remain in effect. The government’s statement, at a time of increased speculation and concern from local and international marine scientists, has alleviated some of the concerns around a potential lifting of the shark fishing ban.

In response to the speculation surrounding a potential lifting of the ban, the MOA sent a letter to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and the President’s Office on 11th June 2024 strongly urging the government to maintain the shark fishing ban.

The letter, signed by 13 member organizations of the MOA, highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of continuing to protect sharks in the Maldives. The letter also addressed misconceptions about shark populations in the Maldives, noting that despite the ban, sharks are still highly vulnerable to overfishing, due to their slow growth and low reproductive rates.

Furthermore, the letter stressed the importance of the shark ban on the tourism industry, noting that shark tourism and dives have increased significantly in recent years, and as such, healthy shark populations are of crucial importance for tourism-reliant communities across the Maldives. The direct revenue from shark tourism is estimated at $14.4 million, with an additional $51.4 million generated for local businesses.

However, MOA members also urged the government to regulate harmful practices such as shark feeding, which alters the behavioral patterns of sharks. As such, MOA called for active regulation, implementation of minimum standards and procedures, and adequate safety training.

Long-line fisheries will tarnish the reputation of Maldives’ tuna fisheries

The MOA also cautioned against allowing long-line fisheries in the Maldives, which would tarnish the reputation of Maldives’ tuna fishery, which is built around sustainability because tuna is fished exclusively by pole-and-line, handline and trolling methods – the world’s mosteco-friendly fishing technique.

Long-line fishing, by contrast, is harmful and results in the large by-catch of other sensitive species including sharks, turtles, rays, seabirds and dolphins. Furthermore, longlining can significantly deplete skipjack and yellowfin tuna stocks that the vast majority of local fishers rely on. Therefore, MOA urges the government to continue its commitment to Maldivian pole-and-line fisheries, as well as marine conservation, by not permitting longlining in Maldivian waters.

About the Maldives Ocean Alliance

Established in 2023, the Maldives Ocean Alliance comprises of 21 organizations working in the field of marine protection and conservation. Our network of NGOs, scientists, advocates and private sector practitioners seek to coordinate research, conduct outreach and education, and provide a collective voice as we work together to actively protect and promote ocean health for wildlife and people.