The Maldivian Government has announced new regulations limiting participation in the gulper shark fishery to 40 licensed vessels nationwide, as part of a broader effort to promote sustainable fishing practices and improve resource management.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources confirmed that the new policy—effective 1 November 2025—is aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of deep-sea shark populations while strengthening oversight of the lucrative shark oil industry.
According to the Ministry, the gulper shark fishing season will run from 1 December each year until the end of June. Licenses, valid for one year, will be issued to the first 40 vessels registered through the Keyolhu portal.
Fishing operations will be permitted only at four designated ports: Kulhudhuffushi City Port (Haa Dhaalu Atoll), Funadhoo (Shaviyani Atoll), Maduvvari (Raa Atoll), and Himandhoo (Alifu Alifu Atoll). In addition to vessel licenses, separate permits will be required for suppliers and processors involved in the trade of gulper sharks and shark oil.
Under the new rules, all vessels must be equipped with tracking devices, and operators are required to log every transaction through the Keyolhu system to enhance transparency. The regulations also ban the removal or processing of any part of the catch before it reaches an authorised port.
Only licensed processors will be allowed to handle gulper shark products, which must meet the Maldives Food and Drug Authority’s (MFDA) quality standards. Exported products are required to be sealed and clearly labelled with details including the product’s weight, date of manufacture, and exporter information.
The Ministry emphasised that the licensing framework is central to maintaining strict ecological control and ensuring that the gulper shark fishery develops in a responsible and environmentally sound manner. Officials added that the move reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to balancing economic opportunity with marine conservation.
