Male’, Maldives, 15th July 2024 – The Maldives Ocean Alliance (MOA) has expressed strong support for the government’s recent decision to uphold the ban on shark fishing, a move that has reassured both local and international marine scientists.
Amidst growing concerns about a possible reversal of the shark fishing ban, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources reaffirmed its commitment to the ban, easing fears of potential negative impacts on marine life. In response to the initial speculation, the MOA proactively sent a letter on June 11, 2024, to key government bodies, including the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and the President’s Office, advocating for the ban’s continuation.
Signed by representatives from 13 member organizations, the letter emphasized the significant economic and environmental advantages of shark protection in the Maldives. It clarified misconceptions regarding shark populations, highlighting that despite existing protections, sharks remain vulnerable due to their slow growth and low reproductive rates.
The MOA also underscored the importance of healthy shark populations for the tourism industry, which has seen a rise in shark-related tourism and diving activities. Shark tourism generates approximately $14.4 million in direct revenue, with an additional $51.4 million benefiting local businesses. The alliance called for stricter regulations on harmful practices like shark feeding, advocating for the establishment of minimum standards, procedural guidelines, and comprehensive safety training.
In addition to supporting the shark fishing ban, the MOA cautioned against the introduction of long-line fishing practices in the Maldives. The alliance argued that long-line fishing could severely damage the reputation of the country’s tuna fisheries, which are renowned for their sustainable methods such as pole-and-line, handline, and trolling techniques.
The MOA pointed out that long-line fishing not only harms various sensitive species like sharks, turtles, rays, seabirds, and dolphins but also poses a significant threat to the skipjack and yellowfin tuna stocks vital to local fishermen. The alliance urged the government to maintain its dedication to sustainable pole-and-line fishing and marine conservation by rejecting long-line fishing in Maldivian waters.
About the Maldives Ocean Alliance
Established in 2023, the Maldives Ocean Alliance is a coalition of 21 organizations dedicated to marine protection and conservation. The alliance brings together NGOs, scientists, advocates, and private sector professionals to coordinate research, conduct outreach and education, and provide a unified voice in promoting and safeguarding ocean health for both wildlife and people.
