MDP President Abdulla Shahid has stated that the Maldivian government's decision to permit longline fishing is irresponsible and not the best decision for the Maldives.
In a message shared on X expressing his opposition to longline fishing, Shahid said he was shocked to hear the news that the government had decided to end the ban on longline fishing, which had previously been upheld as a main feature to sustain the Maldives' fishing industry. He further stated that allowing longline fishing and providing the opportunity for shark fishing is an irresponsible decision by this government, and that this decision will reverse the progress achieved in the sector by the MDP government, threaten tourism, change how the Maldives is viewed internationally, and affect the Maldives' leadership.
Shahid additionally stated that longline fishing results in a large amount of bycatch, including endangered marine life, which is a threat to the marine ecosystem and will negatively impact the fishing business.
