The Maldives is one of only 17 shark sanctuaries in the world, providing a haven for more than 31 species of shark, of which 29 are globally threatened. The charismatic shark is an ecosystem engineer, and crucial for the fishing and tourism industries of the South Asian republic.
Sharks maintain ecosystem balance, promote herbivore abundance, help coral reefs to fight climate change and encourage phytoplankton growth by transporting nutrients from the deep to the shallows.
In 2016, divers attracted sharks brought more than US $65 million into the local economy of the Maldives. Skipjack tuna fishermen also report that healthier shark populations help their fishery by making it easier for them to locate tuna schools at sea.
In 2021 the Maldivian government suggested it was going to lift a 10-year-long moratorium on shark fisheries and shark exports. In response, Blue Marine launched #SaveOurSharks through a collaboration with Maldives Resilient Reefs, the charity we set up in the islands in 2021.
#SaveOurSharks was an education campaign to raise awareness among the Maldivian public and policymakers about the importance of the animals, and push the government to maintain their protection in Maldivian waters. The campaign ultimately proved successful.
Following the wide reach of the #SaveOurSharks campaign and the pressure it generated, on 20 April 2021 the Maldives’ government announced that it would not be lifting the ban on shark fisheries and exports. This was a great example of what can be achieved by working together on critical issues.
