National Poll Reveals 77% of Maldivians Oppose Reopening Gulper Shark Fishery

A new national poll has found that a large majority of Maldivians oppose the government’s plan to reopen gulper shark fishing on 1 November 2025, a move that would end the country’s shark sanctuary status established in 2010.

The survey, commissioned by the Blue Marine Foundation in collaboration with Maldives Resilient Reefs and the Miyaru – Shark Programme, was conducted online, with over 1,000 Maldivian citizens ages 18+. The survey, which was done from 25-29 September across all major atolls, covered both urban and rural areas, according to the Blue Marine Foundation. 

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The result shows that 77% of respondents believe reopening the fishery would harm both the marine environment and the national economy. Additionally, 61% of Maldivians were aware that the country is among only 17 shark sanctuaries worldwide.

The Maldives’ shark sanctuary, established 15 years ago, bans all commercial shark fishing and has been widely regarded as a global model for marine protection. According to existing studies, shark diving tourism generates over US$14.4 million annually in direct revenue and contributes an estimated US$ 51.4 million in broader economic activity.

Conservation and accountability

Survey results indicate that Maldivians view shark conservation as a shared responsibility. Respondents identified local communities (28%), the national government (26%) and the tourism industry (26%) as key players in protecting marine life.

“The Maldives’ shark sanctuary is one of the country’s most significant conservation milestones,” said Shaha Hashim, Executive Director of Maldives Resilient Reefs. “Reopening gulper shark fishing would endanger our marine ecosystems, economy and international reputation. Science shows these species cannot sustain fishing pressure — their decline would have far-reaching impacts.”

Concerns over sustainability

Gulper sharks are slow-growing deep-sea species that reproduce infrequently, making them highly vulnerable to overfishing. Other large sharks, such as tiger, hammerhead and thresher sharks, could also be affected as bycatch.

Historical records show that between 1982 and 2002, the Maldivian gulper shark population declined by 97%, leading to the collapse of the previous fishery within a decade.

Dr Iris Ziegler, Head of Fisheries Policies and Ocean Advocacy at the German Foundation for Marine Conservation, said the government’s draft management plan lacks safeguards such as catch quotas or fishing day limits. “Without controls, mortality rates could quickly exceed sustainable levels,” she said. “Any short-term benefits to the 40 licensed vessels could be followed by long-term losses once the fishery collapses again.”

Ahmed “Ricky” Mohamed, Co-owner of Oceanic Nomad Divers and a member of the Miyaru – Shark Programme, warned that reopening the fishery would undermine years of progress. “Allowing gulper shark fishing would put decades of conservation work at risk and threaten species central to the tourism industry,” he said.

Calls to maintain protection

Conservation organisations — including Maldives Resilient Reefs, Miyaru, and Blue Marine Foundation — have urged the government to uphold the sanctuary in line with its commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). They argue that maintaining the sanctuary remains the most effective and economically sustainable option.

Members of the international community have been invited to support the campaign against reopening the fishery by signing the OnlyOne petition.

Dr Judith Brown, Projects Director at the Blue Marine Foundation, said: “For over a decade, the Maldives has been seen as a leader in shark conservation. Reversing this would be a major setback. Safeguarding sharks is vital for biodiversity, tourism, and future generations.”