Ocean Geographic Launches a petition urging the Maldives to uphold the shark fishing ban

The editors of Australia's Ocean Geographic magazine have launched an online petition in response to the Maldives government's decision to permit the fishing of tiger sharks starting November 1, 2026.

Sharks have been protected in Maldivian waters since 2010, following a landmark ban implemented under the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed.

However, the current administration under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has signalled plans to reverse this decision. During a recent visit to HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, the President told residents that shark fishing, specifically targeting gulper sharks, would be allowed next year.

In protest, the petition aims to appeal directly to President Muizzu to reconsider the move. It has garnered support from several prominent marine conservationists and ocean advocates, including Dr. Sylvia Earle, Dr. Alex Mustard, David Doubilet, Jennifer Hayes, and Howard and Michelle Hall. Former President Nasheed has also publicly backed the petition.

In addition to protecting the marine ecosystem, the petition argues that keeping the ban on shark fishing is key to preserving the Maldives’ credibility and leadership on climate issues. It warns that lifting the ban could threaten fragile ocean habitats and harm the country’s tourism industry, particularly experiences like shark diving, which draw visitors from around the world and rely on the Maldives’ rich underwater biodiversity.

President Muizzu, however, has pushed back against the criticism. He described the decision as an important opportunity for those who rely on fishing for their livelihoods, noting that similar demands had been made under previous administrations. According to the President, many veteran fishermen believe shark numbers have grown significantly and are urging the government to act.

Nonetheless, the move has drawn criticism from both environmental organisations and segments of the local tourism industry. Many argue that the long-term ecological and economic costs outweigh any short-term gains.

Shark Guardian, a UK-based marine conservation group, has also issued a statement urging the Maldives to maintain its status as a global leader in shark protection.

In a letter addressed to President Muizzu, the organization highlighted, that it is impossible to regulate shark fishing sustainably or to limit catches to specific species. Once the ban is lifted, the risk of overfishing and ecological collapse becomes real.

The group also highlighted the vital role sharks play in maintaining the health of coral reef ecosystems, ecosystems that support both tourism and fisheries in the Maldives. They called on the government to reconsider the wider environmental and economic implications of the proposed policy.