The Maldives is facing global backlash after proposing to reintroduce destructive longline fishing to harvest gulper sharks (Centrophorus granulosus).
The move is a massive retrograde step and threatens the country’s international reputation as a sanctuary for sharks, rays and turtles.
The move to exempt the gulper shark from the nation’s blanket shark-fishing ban, permitting targeted harvest from November for squalene extracted from liver oil has been criticized almost universally, and while the gulper shark is seldom seen by recreational divers, it is highly vulnerable and listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List.
Gulper sharks are late bloomers with females maturing as late as 17 years and producing just four to six pups per litter. This slow reproduction means populations recover extremely slowly, making targeted fishing particularly risky.
Underwater photographer and conservationist Michael AW, along with fellow divers launched the Save Sharks 2025 petition to pressure Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to reverse the decision, arguing that harvesting gulpers is unnecessary and unsustainable, given the availability of cheaper alternatives.
The petition warns that the move would undermine the Maldives’ international conservation reputation, harm its tourism-dependent economy, increase the bycatch of other shark species, encourage illegal or misreported catches and require costly enforcement.
Commenting on the latest move by the government, Michael AW stated:
“Global demand for shark-derived squalene is declining as cheaper, plant-based alternatives – derived from olives, sugarcane and amaranth seeds – are readily available and preferred by environmentally conscious consumers. [Opening gulper shark harvesting would] severely undermine the nation’s international reputation, compromise its tourism industry and place already endangered species at greater risk of extinction.”
You can find the petition here.
