The Maldives government has announced plans to lift the 2019 ban on longline fishing, a move that signals a significant shift in the country’s fisheries management. The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources released a draft regulation to reopen longline fishing operations, which has been made available for public consultation.
The ban was originally imposed after concerns were raised by a European Union delegation in 2019 about illegal activities linked to longline fishing. The ban has remained in place since then, severely limiting the fishing practices in the region.
Longline fishing, a method involving long lines with baited hooks, was first permitted in the Maldives in 2010 as an alternative to the traditional pole-and-line method. Despite its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, longline fishing has been controversial due to its bycatch, particularly sharks, and the environmental impact compared to more sustainable practices.
The newly proposed regulations aim to address these concerns by introducing stringent guidelines for managing bycatch. While the direct targeting of sharks remains prohibited, the regulation will permit the landing and processing of non-targeted bycatch species, including sharks, in specially licensed facilities. This processing will be done in accordance with globally accepted sustainability standards.
The draft regulation also includes specific measures to ensure the safety and welfare of the crew on longline fishing vessels. Vessels will be required to install Vessel Locating Devices and Electronic Monitoring Systems. Additionally, certain areas within the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will be off-limits to longline fishing to protect traditional handline tuna fishing zones and reduce conflicts between different fishing methods.
The Ministry emphasized that these steps are in line with the Maldives’ commitment to sustainable fisheries management and international best practices. The government has been working closely with the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) to manage tuna stocks in the region. Although Maldives has consistently stayed within its allocated tuna catch limits, the reopening of the longline fishery is seen as part of a broader effort to diversify the country’s economy under President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration.
Public feedback on the draft regulation is welcomed, with the consultation period open until August 18, 2024. The Ministry said they encourage stakeholders and the general public to submit their comments via email as the government aims to finalize the regulation in a manner that ensures the sustainability and economic benefit of the fishery for the Maldivian people.
