A constitutional case seeking to quash the government’s decision to permit gulper shark fishing in Maldives has been refiled at the High Court.
The government introduced a regulation in October last year allowing the fishing of gulper sharks under specific conditions. In December, environmental activists Humaidha Abdul Ghafoor and Mohamed Seeneen filed a constitutional petition at the High Court challenging the decision and seeking to stop gulper shark fishery.
Humaidha has previously brought legal action over environmental issues, including a case seeking to stop the reclamation of Gulhifalhu.
The court’s Registrar initially declined to accept the case filed against the Attorney General’s Office. The decision was appealed, but the petition was again rejected on the grounds that the gulper shark fishery plan did not form part of an established law or regulation.
According to the High Court registry, Humaidha refiled the case on 2 February. A decision on whether it will be accepted has not yet been made.
Under the special rule introduced by the government, gulper shark fishing may be permitted for up to seven months each year, with specific periods to be announced.
A maximum of 40 vessels may be issued fishing licenses, and a separate license is required to operate a gulper shark fishing business.
The regulation states that sharks must be brought to harbor whole, with no parts removed at sea. Processing prior to arrival at harbor is prohibited. Fishing activities are also restricted to areas outside atoll perimeters, with no inland operations permitted.
Several organizations have expressed concern over the move and signed a petition opposing the fishery. The petition argues that maintaining a ban on shark fishing would protect the Maldives’ environmental reputation and strengthen its climate advocacy at international forums.
