Maldives to maintain ban on longline fishing

President Mohamed Muizzu has decided on Thursday to not allow for longlining as was being propagated by the government.

The President's Office said on Thursday that the President decided not to implement the decision of the Cabinet to reopen for longline fishing on June 13.

According to the President's Office, the President will very soon meet with the Bodu Kanneli Masverinnge Union (BKMU) fishermen and other relevant stakeholders to hold further discussions on his present decision to not allow longline fishery in Maldives.

“The government will always strive to listen to the views and consultations of the people, formulate government policies to address the concerns of the people and bring about positive changes in the country,” the President's Office said.

The government has previously said that the decision to restart longlining  is aimed at further developing Maldives' seafood fishery, and with the aim of making better use of the quota for fishing.

The Ministry of Fisheries has also opened the respective regulations to the public for comments on longline fishing in Maldives. Fishermen and tourism officials expressed concern. Their biggest concern was that Maldives' status as a sustainable fishing country would change and Maldives would lose the benefits it would bring.