The government of the Maldives have decided to introduce a total ban on shark trade and export of shark products. The ban is expected to come into effect on 1 July 2010.
Initially the ban was meant to come into effect on 1 March this year. However, the Ministry of Fisheries postponed the ban on grounds that it may “affect livelihood of shark fishermen”. The decision to impose the ban, was made by the Maldives cabinet meeting chaired by Vice President Mohamed Waheed.
At the meeting the cabinet also decided the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture would assist shark fishermen to find alternative livelihoods.
The Maldives cabinet also decided to ratify the Agreement on the Establishment of South Asian Regional Standards Organisation (SARSO). Cabinet members highlighted that with the ratification of the agreement, ‘consumer confidence on Maldivian local products will improve’.
The Maldives can benefit from SARSO assistance in formulating national standards for products.
Shark fishing has been controversial issue in the Maldives as it has an negative impact on tourism. Civil society and NGO’s have been critical of the delays in banning shark fishing export of shark products from the Maldives.
March 2010
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