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The Maldives is home to some of the most incredible biodiversity on the planet. At the beginning of August, 2024, the new government made public its intention to reopen longline, a highly destructive fishing technique incompatible with a healthy ocean ecosystem. One in five of the animals caught by longline hooks are unintended catch – endangered sharks, turtles, seabirds and more.
Longlines are often lost in the ocean and never retrieved, killing animals long after the boats have left. In 2022, it was estimated that 740,000 km of longline mainlines littered the ocean each year – roughly 18.5 times the circumference of the Earth.
Additionally, longlining can lead to overfishing, undermining the livelihoods of local communities whose income is derived from traditional, one-by-one fishing practices.
On Aug 29, 2024, the Maldives government reversed its decision to reopen longlining. The President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives reaffirmed the country’s support for traditional one-by-one tuna fisheries by halting plans to issue new longline fishing licenses.
Blue Marine was catalytic in this successful campaign working together with international scientists, influencers and key local stakeholders such as fishers. The campaign demonstrated the power of a strong alliance of organisations, along with the right media pressure, in achieving quick and effective change.
“We commend the President’s efforts to protect the livelihoods of fishers and the tourism industry, as well as our marine biodiversity. For several decades, the Maldives has proudly led marine megafauna conservation efforts, and we are very relieved to continue providing a safe haven for these species. However, we must stay vigilant against external pressures that seek to exploit our sustainably managed marine life, particularly as populations decline in other regions. We also urge the international community to recognize our sustainable one-by-one tuna fisheries by reducing import taxes, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our fisheries.”- Shaha Hashim, from Maldives Resilient Reefs.
The #AgainstLonglining campaign was launched by Blue Marine and local partners including Maldives Resilient Reefs, Maldives Ocean Alliance, Yellowfin Tuna Fishers Union and Miyaru.
See the petition here.
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Press
Maldivian Government Decides Not To Continue Allowing Longline Fishing- Deeper Blue
Maldives backtracks on decision to allow tuna longlining… – Undercurrent News
Maldives’ longline plans put pro-shark reputation at risk – Divernet
18 Environmental NGOs voice concerns about allowing longline fishing – The Edition
The Maldive government bans longline fishing – Daily Nautica
PNC-dominant Parliament rejects emergency motion against longline fisheries – Sun
Export of sharks accidentally caught and killed in setline fishing to be permitted – The Edition
Against Longlining Impact Report
