A new poll has revealed overwhelming public opposition to the Maldivian government’s plan to reopen gulper shark fishing on 1 November 2025, a move that would dismantle the country’s internationally recognised shark sanctuary

Established in 2010, the sanctuary has been credited with making the Maldives a global leader in marine conservation.

Commissioned by Blue Marine Foundation, in partnership with Maldives Resilient Reefs and the Miyaru - Shark Programme, the poll found that 77% of Maldivians fear the fishery’s reopening would damage both the environment and the economy.