Parliament Rejects Emergency Motion Against Longline Fisheries Reopening

An emergency motion submitted by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) expressing concern over the government’s plans to reopen longline fisheries has been rejected by Parliament. 

The ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) holds a supermajority in the chamber, resulting in the motion being defeated by 47 votes to 11, with one abstention.

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Earlier this month, the Fisheries Ministry introduced draft regulations for yellowfin tuna longline fisheries and solicited public feedback. The proposed regulations also address the management of bycatch species, including sharks. While targeted shark fishing remains banned, the draft allows for the landing and processing of non-targeted bycatch species, such as sharks, in licensed facilities.

The MDP, which instituted a ban on longline fisheries in 2019, along with several fisheries, tourism, and environmental groups, has voiced strong opposition to the government’s plan to lift the ban. MDP lawmaker Mauroof Zakir, representing the Kendhoo constituency, put forward the emergency motion on Monday morning.

In his motion, Zakir highlighted that previous administrations had considered reopening longline fisheries but ultimately decided to maintain the ban due to concerns over potential damage to the Maldivian fisheries industry, which relies on pole and line fishing—a method recognised globally for its sustainability. He argued that reopening longline fisheries could negatively impact both the fisheries and tourism industries, which are crucial to the nation’s economy.

Zakir emphasised that the decision to reopen longline fisheries contradicts the will of the people and urged the cabinet to reverse its decision. He noted that the MDP administration had banned longline fisheries in 2019 to protect the sustainability of the fisheries sector.

In response to the government’s decision, MDP chairperson Fayyaz Ismail criticised the PNC administration for adopting what he described as “illogical” policies that could jeopardise the economic gains of the past decade. He warned of potential loss of investor confidence if the government does not reconsider its approach.

MDP leader Abdulla Shahid, a former foreign minister, condemned the decision as “reckless,” arguing that it undermines the sustainability achievements of the MDP administration and could harm both the tourism industry and the nation’s international reputation.

The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), representing yellowfin tuna fishermen, has also opposed the plan. The union expressed concerns that reopening longline fisheries would favour large foreign companies over local fishermen.