Experts warn against allowing gulper shark fishing in Maldives

Allowing gulper shark fishing is “not worth doing” and could threaten Maldives’ shark sanctuary status, an environmental expert said Sunday.

President Mohamed Muizzu announced last month that gulper shark fishing would be permitted from November, with regulations currently being drafted. He said that residents of HDh. Kulhudhuffushi had previously engaged in gulper shark fishing for years, earning significant income, but the practice had been halted due to changes in regulations.

The President stated that discussions had taken place with the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment and that a management plan was being prepared.

Environmental groups and members of the public have expressed concern over the decision. In an open letter addressed to President Muizzu, they noted that Maldives has protected sharks since 2010, serving as a model for other countries. They argued that diving tourism generates higher revenue than shark fishing and warned that the move would negatively affect the industry.

An environmental expert speaking to Atoll Times said, “If gulper shark fishing is allowed, it will affect its population.” He added that gulper sharks live in the deep sea, and other shark species risk being caught in the process.

The expert further noted that the European Union and the United Kingdom have jointly proposed a ban on gulper shark fishing and trade at the upcoming Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meeting in Uzbekistan in November. If passed, the measure would prevent such fishing even if permitted domestically.

Earlier, the government had decided to allow shark fishing in certain areas and permit the processing of sharks caught as bycatch. The decision faced criticism, leading the government to reverse the policy and maintain the ban on shark fishing.

Gulper sharks are primarily caught for oil extracted from their livers, which is used in cosmetics, medicines, and dietary supplements, and sold at high prices.