The fisheries ministry published a draft management plan for reopening gulper shark fisheries last week. The fishery is scheduled to resume on November 1, ending the country’s status as one of only 17 shark sanctuaries worldwide. This decision has faced mounting opposition from conservationists, tourism operators, and fishers themselves, with nearly 20,000 people signing a petition against the move. An open letter was submitted to President Muizzu, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, and Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim on 26 October by a coalition of 60 local and international organisations supported by 50 scientists, calling on the government to halt the plans to re-establish a gulper shark fishery in the northernmost atoll. The letter raises concerns about the absence of stock assessments, potential international trade restrictions, and inadequate monitoring measures in the proposed management plan.
You can read the full article and open letter here.
