Nasheed said that longline fishing results in bycatch, including rays, dolphins, seabirds, and sharks, which could harm Maldives' tourism and its pole-and-line tuna brands, which are based on sustainability.
![[File] Former President Nasheed said that allowing longline fishing will harm Maldives pole and line brands and tourism which are based on sustainability](https://cdn.mihaaru.com/photos/2018/04/23/183389_3_859c02675a31d3e489c548555fc94fed6d6ebc3b_thumb.jpg)
Former President Mohamed Nasheed has expressed concerns about allowing longline fishing in the Maldives.
The decision to consider permitting this method for catching Yellowfin and Bigeye Tuna in Maldivian waters was made by the Cabinet in March this year.
In a post on the social media platform X, Nasheed said that longline fishing results in bycatch, including rays, dolphins, seabirds, and sharks, which could harm Maldives' tourism and its pole-and-line tuna brands, which are based on sustainability.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has now drafted regulations on longline fishing and opened it for public comment. According to the draft, sharks and non-target marine life caught on setlines can be brought ashore and processed, provided this is done in compliance with internationally recognized standards.
The Ministry stated that licenses for longline fishing will be granted with specific provisions to ensure that the practice benefits locals and adheres to relevant laws and regulations, taking into account previous experiences.
The former administration had stopped renewing longline fishing licenses after the European Union (EU) issued a warning due to multiple regulatory violations.
Sign In![[File] Former President Nasheed said that allowing longline fishing will harm Maldives pole and line brands and tourism which are based on sustainability](https://cdn.mihaaru.com/photos/2018/04/23/183389_3_859c02675a31d3e489c548555fc94fed6d6ebc3b_medium.jpg)