President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that shark fisheries will be reopened from 1 November, following the completion of a new management plan.

Speaking to the residents of Kulhudhuffushi City, President Dr Muizzu urged fishermen interested in the activity to make preparations ahead of the reopening.

He explained that both the Fisheries Ministry and the Environment Ministry had carried out detailed work to establish regulations and management measures before allowing fishing to resume.

Although the Government had previously announced plans to allow shark fisheries, the decision was put on hold following public criticism. With the new regulatory framework now in place, the activity is set to officially restart later this year.

Shark fisheries was banned in the Maldives during former President Mohamed Nasheed’s tenure.