Save the Sanctuary

The Maldives is the only shark sanctuary in the Indian Ocean. But this sanctuary is now under threat. In November 2025, the Maldivian government plans to reopen gulper shark fisheries, a decision that risks biodiversity, local livelihoods and the nation’s reputation as a global ocean conservation leader.

Gulper sharks are among the slowest-reproducing sharks on Earth, taking over 20 years to mature and producing just one or two pups every few years. When fisheries last operated, gulper populations collapsed by more than 90% within a few years. To this day, there is no evidence they have recovered.

The impacts would extend far beyond the sea. Deepwater sharks play a vital role in ocean ecosystems, while shark diving generates over US $65 million annually for Maldivian communities, more than profits from a short-lived fishery.

You can stop this. Sign the e-petition today and urge the Maldivian government to keep gulper shark fishing banned and protect the only shark sanctuary in the Indian Ocean.