The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has opened public consultations on the proposed Fisheries Management Plan and its accompanying draft regulations, inviting comments from industry stakeholders and the public.

The initiative follows President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s announcement in August that the Government would reopen the fishing industry to local fishermen from 1 November. The consultation aims to ensure that the plan reflects the interests of fishing communities while maintaining sustainable practices across the sector.

According to the Government, the decision to reopen the fisheries was made in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Ministry of Fisheries to ensure ecological balance and resource protection.

Shark fisheries has been banned nationwide since 2010, but following requests from fishermen, the current Administration began exploring possibilities to reinstate the practice under strict management measures to ensure sustainability.

The Government views the new Fisheries Management Plan as an opportunity to revitalise the fishing sector, strengthen livelihoods, and generate additional income through sustainable marine resource utilisation. It also aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify the economy, including the development of value-added fish products and related industries such as coconut oil production.

The Ministry has encouraged all interested parties to submit their feedback before the plan is finalised and implemented.