Former President Nasheed has previously advocated for the removal of tariffs imposed by European countries on Maldivian fish exports as well.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed congratulated President Dr Mohamed Muizzu for scrapping the plans to permit longline fishing in the Maldives and urged the European Union (EU) to lift tariffs on Maldivian fish exports.
The Cabinet has decided to permit longline fishing for yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, and swordfish in the Maldives under special permits. However, President Muizzu today changed that decision and decided not to allow longline fishing in Maldives.
In a post on social media platform X, Nasheed congratulated President Muizzu.
Nasheed said if the President did not change his decision, It would have damaged the country's tourism brand, and the global reputation of Maldivian tuna fisheries.
"Maldivian tuna fisheries are the world’s most sustainable as we fish exclusively one-by-one, so there is no by-catch. Yet the European Union and UK, which use giant factory boats to scoop up anything that moves from the ocean, impose duty on our tuna," he said.
"That must change", he added.
Congratulations, President Muizz, for scrapping the Fisheries Ministry's plan for long-lining in Maldives. It would have damaged our tourism brand, and the global reputation of Maldivian tuna fisheries. It's the right call. @MMuizzu
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) August 29, 2024
Nasheed has previously advocated for the removal of tariffs imposed by European countries on Maldivian fish exports.
While the previous government made some progress in negotiating the removal of duties and started buying fish from local fishermen at higher prices, these efforts did not reach a definitive resolution.
The current administration has signed the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) "Samoa Agreement," aiming to find a viable route for exporting fish and fish products to Europe with reduced duties.
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