International scientists, including from the UK, are calling on the Maldivian government to reconsider its plans to reintroduce destructive longline fishing – and hope to count on the support of concerned recreational divers who visit the Indian Ocean islands in search of large-animal experiences.
Longline fishing endangers target and bycatch species and increases pressure on already overfished tuna populations on which local small-scale fishers depend, scientists say.
The Maldives’ draft regulation allows for the landing of shark bycatch, thereby jeopardising the Maldives’ status as a sanctuary for sharks and rays.
Longline fishing would effectively restart shark fishing in the atolls and – as it also threatens important fish stocks – would affect the health of the oceans, the livelihoods of individually sustainable fishermen and income from tourism, the activists argue.
Fishermen’s income would be affected by competition from foreign fishing companies and the depletion of fish stocks needed to feed coastal communities could become a humanitarian problem.
Longline fishing is known for its high bycatch rates, including endangered species, which could severely affect marine biodiversity. “Longline fishing is a de facto “Lifting the long-standing ban on shark fishing was crucial to restoring the health of marine life in the Maldives,” the activists say.
Bycatch affects endangered shark species as well as manta rays, turtles and seabirds, while traditional fishing methods such as rod and line fishing have minimized bycatch rates.
Foreign-flagged vessels began longline fishing in the Maldives in 1985. Due to management problems, the practice was banned in 2010 but resumed the following year. In response to further irregularities, the government decided in 2019 to stop issuing new licenses.
The Maldives Ocean Alliance (MOA), a coalition of companies and NGOs, has joined forces with the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen’s Union to launch a petition through OnlyOne calling on the international community to alert the government to the environmental, economic and reputational impacts of longline fishing.
British scientists supporting the #AgainstLonglining campaign include marine biologist Daniel Pauly, one of the most cited fisheries scientists in the world, and Prof Callum Roberts, a marine conservation biologist at the University of Exeter.
“The Maldives is a world leader in marine conservation and has protected its waters from fishing for sharks, manta rays and turtles since 2009,” says Roberts.
“Resuming longline fishing would be an extremely efficient way to decimate iconic marine fauna and destroy its hard-earned reputation.” Divers can sign the petition here.
Also on Divernet: MALDIVES DEMONSTRATION PLANS TO ENDANGER SHARKS, THE NORMAL SHARKS, FISHING ZONE: MYSTERIOUS CANTEEN FOR MALDIVES SHARKS
