An online petition opposing the Mohamed Muizzu administration’s proposal to reintroduce longline fishing in Maldivian waters is gaining traction, amassing over 9,500 signatures. The controversial plan has sparked widespread debate and concern among local fishing communities.
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam earlier defended the move, citing the need to maximise the utilisation of allocated yellowfin tuna quotas established by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). However, critics argue that reintroducing longline fishing will have detrimental effects on both the environment and the tourism sector.
The Ocean Alliance and the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), representing yellowfin tuna fishermen, are spearheading the online petition. They argue that bycatch from longline fishing—sharks, whale sharks, turtles, manta rays, and birds—will disrupt the delicate marine ecosystem. Additionally, lost fishing lines pose an ongoing threat to marine life.
Statistics show that in 2022, more than 740,000 kilometres of fishing lines used in long-line fisheries were lost at sea. Local fishermen have strongly opposed the reintroduction, fearing it could negatively impact their livelihoods.
Transparency Maldives and the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco, and Allied Workers’ Associations have also expressed concern. BKMU warns that the move could devastate pole-and-line fisheries, leading to financial hardship for fishermen and investors.