Maldives to Lift 15-Year Shark Fishing Ban in November

30 August, 2025

The Maldives implemented a complete ban on shark fishing in March 2010, following increasingly strict restrictions that had been in place since 1998. The original moratorium was established after studies showed that revenue from diving tourism surpassed earnings from shark oil exports.

Before the ban, shark fishing ranked as the second-most important fishery in the Maldives after tuna, which remains the nation's primary export earner. Interestingly, Maldivians do not consume shark meat domestically—instead, the fishery primarily supported the export of shark liver oil to international markets.

The ban was celebrated by environmental organizations and helped cement the Maldives' reputation as a global shark sanctuary, contributing to its image as a premier ecotourism destination

The New Policy: What's Changing?

Come November 2025, the Maldives will reopen its gulper shark fishery under what President Muizzu describes as a "comprehensive management plan" and "comprehensive regulation plan". The announcement was made during a gathering on Kulhudhuffushi Island in the Haa Dhaalu Atoll, which has historically been the largest gulper shark fishery in the Maldives.

The Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment have already examined the matter, though specific details of the management plan have not been fully disclosed to the public. The decision represents a notable policy shift, as fisheries authorities had previously signaled no intent to reverse the ban, citing studies and sustainable practices.

Economic Motivations Behind the Decision

The primary driver behind lifting the ban appears to be economic diversification for coastal communities. President Muizzu has described the gulper shark fishery as "a significant source of income" and "a very important door" for economic development.

The decision comes as the Maldives seeks to strengthen revenue streams beyond tourism, which has likely faced pressures in recent years. With a population of approximately 500,000 people spread across 1,192 islands, economic opportunities are limited, and the government appears to be prioritizing income generation for fishing communities.

Shark liver oil has historically been one of the country's key export commodities, and the government seems interested in recapturing this market while maintaining its tuna fishing operations.

Economic Factors Behind the Decision

Environmental Concerns and Risks

Conservation groups have expressed significant alarm at the policy reversal. The UK-based organization Shark Guardian has been particularly vocal, warning that the move could undermine the Maldives' reputation as a marine sanctuary and threaten the long-term health of the nation's tourism-dependent economy.

The environmental concerns are multifaceted:

• Keystone Species Impact: Sharks serve as critical components of marine ecosystems, and their removal can disrupt delicate ecological balances.

• Biodiversity Loss: Overfishing could diminish the remarkable marine biodiversity that makes the Maldives unique.

• Tourism Value Erosion: Dive tourism relies heavily on shark sightings, and diminished populations could reduce the destination's appeal.

• Climate Vulnerability: As a low-lying nation already threatened by rising sea levels, additional pressure on marine ecosystems could heighten the Maldives' environmental vulnerability.

The Gulper Shark: Species in Focus

The reopening specifically targets the gulper shark (likely referring to species in the genus Centrophorus), which has historically been the major export through its liver oil. These deep-water sharks are particularly valued for their liver oil, which is rich in squalene—a compound used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional supplements.

Gulper sharks are generally slow-growing and have low reproductive rates, making them particularly vulnerable to overfishing. The specific management measures that will protect these species under the new fishery plan have not been detailed in the announcements, raising concerns about potential population declines.

Tourism Industry Implications

The Maldives is world-renowned for its luxury resorts and diving centers, with shark sightings being a significant attraction for visitors. The potential impact on tourism represents a critical consideration in the policy change.

Before the 2010 ban, income from tourism—particularly diving—had already surpassed revenue from shark oil exports, which was the original motivation for implementing protections. The reversal now creates tension between immediate economic gains from fishing and long-term tourism revenue.

Industry stakeholders have not been prominently featured in the initial reports, suggesting that tourism operators may have limited influence in this particular policy decision compared to fishing interests.

International Response

The international community has begun reacting to the announcement, with conservation organizations expressing the most significant concerns. Shark Guardian, a UK-based shark and marine conservation group, has been particularly vocal in its opposition, calling the move "deeply troubling".

The policy change may also affect the Maldives' international reputation as a conservation leader and vocal advocate for addressing climate change and marine protection. How this decision will impact the country's standing in global environmental forums remains to be seen.

The international media coverage has been balanced, with outlets reporting both the government's economic rationale and conservationists' concerns.

Looking Ahead: Implementation Challenges

As November approaches, several implementation challenges loom:

1. Management Plan Details: The success of the fishery reopening will heavily depend on the specific measures included in the management plan, which haven't been fully detailed publicly.

2. Enforcement Capacity: Ensuring compliance with regulations will require significant monitoring and enforcement capabilities.

3. Market Considerations: The global market for shark products has likely changed during the 15-year ban, requiring market analysis and development.

4. Ecological Monitoring: Assessing the impact on shark populations will require robust scientific monitoring and adaptive management strategies.

5. Balance with Tourism: Developing approaches that minimize negative impacts on the tourism industry will be crucial.

Potential Impacts of Lifting the Ban

Conclusion

The Maldives' decision to lift its 15-year ban on shark fishing represents a complex intersection of economic pressure, environmental conservation, and sustainable development challenges. While the move promises short-term economic benefits for fishing communities, it risks undermining the very natural resources that support the nation's luxury tourism industry—its primary economic engine.

The November implementation will be watched closely by conservationists, fishing communities, and tourism operators alike. The ultimate success of this policy shift will depend on the government's ability to implement effective management that balances extraction with conservation, ensuring that shark populations remain healthy enough to support both fishing and tourism in the years to come.

As a nation on the frontline of climate change impacts, the Maldives faces difficult choices between immediate economic needs and long-term environmental sustainability. How this balance is struck in the case of shark fishing may set an important precedent for other resource-dependent nations facing similar challenges worldwide.

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