President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the ban on shark fisheries will be lifted on 1 November 2025 under a newly formulated management plan.

Speaking in Kulhudhuffushi City during his tour of South Thiladhunmathi atoll, the President highlighted the island’s prosperous history in gulper shark fisheries, which had once been a major source of income for the community. He noted that both the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, and Ministry of Tourism and Environment have reviewed the relevant regulations and finalised the plan to restart the industry.

The President stressed that the opportunity will be open to all who are interested in shark fishing, encouraging fishermen to prepare ahead of the ban lift. 

Shark fisheries has been banned nationwide since 2010, but in May 2024 the current Administration began exploring the possibility of reinstating the sector under strict management measures to ensure sustainability.

Lifting the shark fisheries ban is a significant shift in fisheries policy, aiming to balance economic opportunities for local fishermen with responsible conservation practices.