Maldives reopens gulper shark fishery despite concerns
The use or capture of shark species other than gulper sharks is prohibited.
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The government on Friday gazetted new regulations permitting gulper shark fishing in the Maldives, despite objections from environmental groups and scientists.
The Ministry of Fisheries announced in August that gulper shark fishing would resume under a management plan starting next month. More than 60 environmental organisations have since called on the government to halt the plan.
The newly published Shark Fisheries Planning and Management Regulations outline the conditions for conducting shark fisheries, the implementation of the management plan, and the procedures for related activities.
Under the new rules, gulper shark fishing will require a special licence. Fishing vessels, individuals, and facilities involved in processing or supplying sharks must also obtain a licence.
According to the regulations:
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A maximum of 40 fishing licences will be issued.
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If applications exceed this number, priority will be given based on the order of submission.
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Licences will be valid from November to October of the following year and issued upon payment of a prescribed fee.
Fishing will only be permitted outside the atolls and for a period not exceeding seven months each year, as determined by the Ministry. Processing, including cutting and separation of shark parts, can only be conducted after the catch is brought to port. The use or capture of shark species other than gulper sharks is prohibited.
The regulations also include provisions for monitoring and surveillance. Fishing vessels must be equipped with a Vessel Locating Device (VLD) that meets the Ministry’s standards. The device must remain active at all times, and in the event of malfunction, the vessel’s position, speed, and movement must be reported to the Ministry every four hours.
Any breach of the regulations will constitute an offence. Offenders will face fines, and repeat offenders may have their licences revoked after three violations. Applications for a new licence may only be submitted three months after revocation.
A joint letter signed by 60 associations and 50 scientists — including 42 international organisations — was sent to President Mohamed Muizzu urging the government not to reopen the fishery.
The signatories cited the absence of a stock assessment for gulper sharks, the species’ vulnerability and historical record of rapid population decline, and the wider environmental challenges caused by climate change as reasons to maintain the fishing ban.
