MPs propose allowing harvest of protected corals and gillnet fishing in Parliament

During yesterday's session of the Parliament, members debated the potential for allowing the harvesting of protected species like black coral (endheri) and red coral (rai muraka) for jewelry-making, and suggested permitting gillnet fishing, following practices in some other countries.

The comments were made during the debate on a resolution proposed by Velidhoo constituency MDA MP Mohamed Abbaas, who opposes the government's decision to permit shark fishing.

Ihavandhoo constituency PNC MP Ahmed Nazeer stated that countries elsewhere are profiting by creating jewelry from species protected in the Maldives, such as black coral and red coral, which remain untouched in Maldivian waters.

Nazeer pointed out that jewelry made using even a small piece of red coral sells for a high price in the global market.

"A piece of jewelry made using an 18-carat gold piece and 10 grams of red coral can sell for up to USD 20,000 in the global market. Why should we remain idle?" he questioned.

He gave an example of a story where a Chinese person allegedly bought a few red coral products during the last days they were sold in the Maldives and made a large profit.

"Therefore, there are such opportunities for many Maldivian citizens. And there are such opportunities for unemployed women. There are all kinds of opportunities within various standards," Nazeer asserted.

He also questioned whether all Maldivians should become resort employees and abandon all forms of productive industry.

In the same debate, Dhaandhoo constituency PNC MP Mohamed Fazeel stated that fishing vessels in surrounding countries use gillnets and that even Japan, a major advocate for sustainable fishing, uses the method.

"All the surrounding countries are using gillnets, and the fish stocks are not being depleted," Fazeel claimed.

He added that with the vastness of Maldivian maritime territory, the country needs to diversify its fishing methods.

All PNC members who participated in the debate opposed Abbaas's resolution against shark fishing. In the vote taken to decide whether to accept the resolution for consideration by the Parliament, 44 members voted against accepting it. Only nine members, including MDP members and Abbaas, voted in favor of the resolution.

The government had granted permission for shark fishing with a special license on October 31. According to the regulations gazetted on that day, the rules pertaining to the planning, operation, and supervision of shark fishing state that permits will be issued for 40 vessels annually.