Resolution submitted in Parliament to maintain ban on shark fishing

A resolution calling for the continued ban on shark fishing in the Maldives has been submitted to Parliament.

The first reading, submitted by MDA Velidhoo MP Mohamed Abbas, was held today amid government plans to allow gulper shark fishing under a special regulation starting this month.

In the resolution, Abbas warned that all shark species are slow growing and slow breeding, producing only a small number of offspring at a time.

He described sharks as a “keystone species” critical to maintaining marine ecosystems, controlling other marine life, and supporting overall ocean health.

“Sharks play a vital role in the marine system, and allowing them to be fished could seriously deplete their populations,” Abbas said.

Abbas also highlighted the economic significance of sharks to Maldivian tourism. Diving and snorkeling are central to the sector, with tourists drawn from around the world to witness large marine life, including sharks. Studies indicate that the value of live sharks to tourism far exceeds the economic benefits of fishing them.

“If gulper shark fishing is permitted, the shark population will decline, tourism will suffer, and this will cause significant damage to the backbone of the Maldives’ economy,” Abbas said.

He added that allowing gulper shark fishing would undermine the Maldives’ global reputation for environmental protection, drawing criticism from international organizations and environmental activists.