Maldives overturn shark fishing ban after decades

The Maldives, one of the most popular luxury travel and top diving destinations in the Indian Ocean, are lifting their shark fishing ban in place since 2010. The presidential office announced on Wednesday, August 27, that fishing activities would resume under certain conditions. Authorities had originally introduced the protection after revenues from dive tourism exceeded profits from shark products. Historically, after tuna, sharks were once the second most important catch for the island nation with around half a million inhabitants.

U-turn: gulper shark fishing from November

President Mohamed Muizzu announced on an atoll north of the capital that gulper shark fishing would reopen in November as part of a “comprehensive management plan.” He described shark fishing as “a significant source of income.”

“The gulper shark fishery will resume in November under a comprehensive management plan.” – President Mohamed Muizzu

Tourism versus fishing: a delicate balance

The complete ban on shark fishing came into effect in March 2010, after strict restrictions had already been in place since 1998. The archipelago consists of 1,192 small coral islands stretching over about 800 kilometers along the equator. For the export-oriented economy, tuna remains the most important pillar, but dive tourism is central to jobs and local income.

Criticism from conservationists

The organization Shark Guardian expressed alarm and warned of reputational and long-term damage for the country, which is heavily dependent on tourism.

“This step is extremely concerning: it undermines the Maldives’ reputation as a global shark sanctuary and endangers the long-term health of the tourism-dependent economy.” – Shark Guardian

How strict the announced management plan will be and what protection measures for endangered species will apply is likely to be decisive in the coming weeks—also with regard to the international perception of the Maldives as a safe diving and conservation destination.