Maldivians reject gulper shark fishing

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.

Additionally, 61% of respondents were aware that the Maldives is one of only 17 shark sanctuaries in the world.

“Reopening gulper shark fishing puts our marine ecosystems, our economy and our global reputation at risk,” said Shaha Hashim, executive director of Maldives Resilient Reefs.

“The science is clear – gulper shark populations cannot withstand fishing pressure.”

Shark diving generates over US$14.4 million annually in direct revenue, with indirect benefits to local businesses exceeding US$51 million. In contrast, gulper shark fisheries globally have proven unsustainable, with populations collapsing within a few years of reopening, say campaigners.

In the Maldives, gulper shark numbers declined by 97% between 1982 and 2002, leading to the fishery’s collapse in under a decade.

Conservationists are urging the government to maintain the sanctuary, aligning with international commitments under CITES. An ongoing petition by OnlyOne offers global supporters the chance to help reverse the policy. Last year, public pressure helped block longline licences that could have enabled shark bycatch.

“The Maldives has been a beacon of shark conservation for more than a decade,” said Dr Judith Brown of Blue Marine Foundation. “It would be a tragedy to see this progress undone.”