Activists File Lawsuit to Reverse Gulper Shark Fishing Decision

Environmental activists from the Save Maldives Campaign have filed a High Court case seeking to revoke the government's decision to permit fishing of the endangered gulper shark. The case, submitted by activists Humaidha Abdul Ghafoor and Mohamed Sineen, challenges the government's move to partially lift a long-standing ban on shark fishing. The Maldives had enforced a blanket ban on shark fishing since 2010, but in August, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced the decision to allow gulper shark fishing under specific regulations. The new rules, implemented by the Fisheries Ministry, permit gulper shark fishing from December 1 to June 30 each year and limit licenses to 40 vessels. Critics argue that this decision threatens the marine ecosystem, tourism, and the Maldives' reputation for sustainability. The High Court is yet to decide whether it will accept the case.