Global Conservationists Petition Maldives to Halt Shark Fishing Plan

An international petition has been launched urging the Maldivian government to reverse its decision to reintroduce shark fishing from November 1, a move that conservationists say could damage the country’s environment and tourism industry.

The petition, initiated by the editors of Australia’s Ocean Geographic Magazine, has already drawn signatures from prominent ocean advocates including Dr. Sylvia Earle, Dr. Alex Mustard, David Doubilet, Jennifer Hayes, and Howard and Michele Hall. Former President Mohamed Nasheed, who spearheaded the 2010 ban on shark fishing, has also endorsed the campaign.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced plans to allow shark fishing during a meeting last month with residents of HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, a community historically active in the trade before the ban. He described the move as “a very important opportunity” and assured that those interested would be given the chance to participate. The push to reopen shark fishing has been a recurring demand from Kulhudhuffushi, with some fishermen arguing that shark numbers have grown significantly since the ban.

The petition argues that lifting the 14-year ban would not only harm fragile marine ecosystems but also undermine the Maldives’ global standing as a leader in ocean conservation and climate advocacy. It highlights the risk to the country’s tourism-driven economy, which heavily relies on healthy coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

International conservation group Shark Guardian has also written to President Muizzu, warning that sustainable shark fishing is rarely feasible and that even limiting the practice to specific species would be difficult to enforce. The organization emphasized that sharks play a critical role in maintaining reef health, and their decline could have cascading effects on marine resources vital to Maldivian livelihoods.

Environmental groups and local tourism stakeholders within the Maldives have voiced similar concerns, warning that reversing the shark fishing ban could jeopardize both ecological balance and long-term economic sustainability.

The Maldivian government has yet to issue a formal response to the petition, which continues to gather signatures worldwide.