Spiny Dogfish Shark fishing to be allowed from November

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced last night that fishing for Spiny Dogfish Shark will be allowed from November onwards. 

The President announced this while speaking to residents of HDh Kulhudhuffushi last night, visiting the island as part of his ongoing trip to HDh atoll. 

Kulhudhuffushi engaged widely in shark fishing before it was banned during the administration of former President Mohamed Nasheed. 

"The Fisheries Ministry and Environment Ministry have reviewed the regulations, and a lot of work is being done. A management plan has been compiled. Under this plan, fishing for Spiny Dogfish Shark will be allowed from November 1 onwards," the President said. 

The President said that allowing shark fishing is an important move. 

Kulhudhuffushi has been appealing to successive governments to be allowed to engage in shark fishing. Pole and line fishermen have also made the request, raising concerns that shark numbers have been on the rise. 

However, environmental organizations and the local tourism sector advocate against this. 

The government earlier met with strong criticism for allowing processing of shark caught as bycatch in setline fishing for yellowfin tuna. The government ultimately decided to not allow setline fishing. 

Concerns raised by environmental organizations at the time highlighted that: