Pres. backtracks on plan to reopen longline fisheries, amid criticism

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided against implementing plans to reopen longline fisheries in the Maldives, following disapproval from local fishermen.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the decision to implement plans to reintroduce longline fisheries for yellowfin tuna and bigeye tuna in the Maldives on 13 June 2024.

The implementation of these plans would mean the ban in place since 2019 would be lifted.

The decision to drop the plan was reached on Thursday citing concerns shared with the president by the ‘Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU)’, a union of yellowfin tuna fishermen.

A statement by the government reads that the president will meet members of BKMU and other relevant authorities to hold further discussions regarding the decision, as soon as he is able to.

The statement goes on to read that the incumbent administration strives to bring about positive changes by adopting its policies, so that the concerns raised by the public can be addressed properly, by listening to their discussions and thoughts.

Several organizations expressed concern over the government's decision to reopen longline fisheries.

The People’s Majlis back then rejected an emergency motion filed by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), urging the government not to implement the plan.

MDP had voiced concern over the government's plans to allow the business of dead sharks caught in longline fishing, saying it is aimed at further development of marine fisheries in the Maldives.

Senior MDP officials stressed that this would change the perspective of the international community towards Maldivian leaders, and called to reverse the decision, in the interest of everyone.

18 civil society organizations advocating for environmental protection and fishermen also shared their concerns with the government, demanding a review of the decision.