Government MPs Defend Decision to Allow Gulper Shark Fishing

Government MPs have defended the administration’s decision to permit gulper shark fishing, amid criticism from tourism and diving stakeholders who warn the move could harm the marine environment and the country’s tourism-based economy.

The debate arose in Parliament during discussion on a motion to reverse the policy, which was announced by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in August and came into effect on 1 November. The regulation allows fishing permits for up to 40 vessels.

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Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas argued that the decision is opposed almost unanimously within the tourism industry. Citing feedback from operators, he said “99 per cent of Maldivian divers and all Maldivian tourism service providers” reject the move. Abbas, who operates a local tourism business, warned that reintroducing the fishery could disrupt dive sites and weaken the country’s global reputation for marine conservation.

He further cautioned that “every kind of fishing will be impacted” and said environmental degradation—including lagoon reclamation carried out under the guise of development—was causing irreversible harm. Abbas stressed the significance of tourism to the Maldivian workforce, noting that policies undermining the sector would have damaging long-term effects.

“Today, politicians may implement policies against tourism and the environment, but that’s a harmful message for future generations,” he said.

MPs of the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) rejected Abbas’s concerns. Ihavandhoo MP Ahmed Naseer argued the country should seek alternative ways to profit from its natural resources, including the harvesting of red and black corals for jewellery production. He said some marine resources remain largely untouched despite their high international market value, claiming red and black corals can fetch between USD 10,000 and 20,000.

“Rather than continuing to show tourists the underwater sights, they should find other creative ways to utilise it,” he said.

Other government MPs also spoke in support of the decision, defending the regulatory changes under which gulper shark fishing may resume after more than a decade. The ban was first introduced during the administration of former president Mohamed Nasheed.

Meanwhile, environmental groups have voiced alarm. Sixty local and international organisations, along with 50 scientists, have jointly urged the government to halt the plan, warning it threatens vulnerable shark populations and risks undermining conservation achievements.

The Ministry of Fisheries has said the new regulation establishes a framework to manage the sector, including restrictions on the number of vessels eligible for permits. 

Following the debate, the motion to reverse the policy was rejected by 44 MPs. The government, backed by a PNC super-majority in Parliament, voted down the proposal, while 10 MPs — including members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) — supported accepting the motion.