Gov’t Denies Plans to Permit Shark Fishing in Maldivian Waters

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has denied rumours circulating on social media that it intends to issue permits for shark fishing in Maldivian waters.

Addressing these rumours, Deputy Minister Ahmed Shafiu stated that no deliberations have been held regarding the legalisation of shark fishing. He emphasised that shark fishing remains prohibited by law and that the Ministry has no intention of altering this legislation.

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He further explained that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Maldives Marine Research Institute, is conducting research to assess the country’s shark population. The study aims to determine if there is an overpopulation of sharks and, if so, to propose appropriate solutions.

Deputy Minister Mohamed Yameen elaborated on the research, stating that the necessary measures to address any potential overpopulation would be based on the findings.

Concerns have been raised regarding the growing shark population, which fishermen claim is posing increasing challenges. A study conducted by the Maldives Marine Research Institute three years ago indicated a significant rise in the shark population since the ban on shark fishing was implemented.

The Fisheries Ministry has linked the increase in shark attacks to the practice of feeding sharks in certain areas, which is not authorised by the Ministry.

Public calls to permit shark fishing have intensified following the recent death of a young MNDF officer, who was attacked by a shark during an ocean training course in Laamu Atoll Kahdhoo.

Commercial shark fishing was prevalent in the Maldives from the 1970s until 2010, with income generated from the sale of shark tails, oil, and other related products. However, the practice was banned in response to concerns over the potential extinction of sharks due to a significant decline in their population.