Maldives considers reinstating commercial shark fishery

Sharks have been protected in the Maldives for more than a decade, and their population is steadily recovering. Though unfortunately this safe haven may soon cease to exist. All because local authorities are considering the possibility of reintroducing commercial shark fishing.

People involved in diving and lovers of these beautiful, endangered predators certainly do not want to allow this to happen. That is why signatures are being collected on a petition against the reintroduction of commercial shark fishing. The aim is to collect 10 000 signatures. This will undoubtedly be a clear expression of opposition and a strong voice that the organisers of the action will present to the Ministry of Fisheries Maldives.

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Amendment of the law

The Maldives government has announced that discussions are underway to legalise commercial shark fishing. According to local news reports, the Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Zaha Waheed, is pushing for the law change. She stated that lifting the ban “presents a cost-effective strategy to generate revenue”.

Speaking at the Economic Committee of the Maldives Parliament, Waheed was reported to have said:

Very few countries are implementing shark protection. Because it is a way to generate profit, we do not have to limit ourselves. We can allow shark fishing under certain conditions and fish for a certain period of time without harming the shark population.

In a world where over 100,000,000 sharks are killed every year, ensuring the safety of one of the last healthy populations is critical. Action must be taken now as there is no more time to waste. Speak up and help urge authorities in the Maldives to keep the promise they once made to protect marine life.

How much is a shark worth?

Shark fishing was completely banned in the Maldives in 2010. The reason was a decline in the shark population, which had become extremely valuable as a tourist attraction. A 2009 study by researchers at James Cook University clearly highlighted the difference in value of sharks to different industries. A single reef shark was worth US$3300 to the tourism industry in the Maldives. In contrast, the same shark was worth just US$32 as a commercial catch.

A 2019 study found that the revenue generated by divers in the Maldives is US$14.4 million. Although this figure rises to as much as US$51.4 million if local businesses related to the wider dive tourism, catering etc. are included in the calculation. Of this sum, as much as USD 7.2 million was paid to the budget in taxes.

In January 2021, customs officials in the Maldives seized twenty-one boxes filled with shark fins. The total weight of the seized contraband was as much as 429 kg. The sharks were caught in Maldivian territorial waters. Moreover, social media users pointed to corrupt officials as allegedly responsible for the practice. The value of the seized goods was approximately USD 170,000.

The petition can be found under link. Over 8150 people have signed it so far.