The Maldives government has announced a new draft regulation for the tuna longline fishery, outlining its intention to reopen it under strict conditions. 

The draft, available for public comment on the country's ministry of fisheries, marine resources, and agriculture's website, includes provisions to ensure that the longline fishery aligns with international best practices and sustainability standards.

The draft regulation outlines stringent measures for the longline fishery, including mandatory vessel locating devices, electronic monitoring systems, and safety provisions for crew members.

Specific areas, such as within 100 miles of the Maldives' baseline and south of six degrees North latitude, are designated as off-limits to protect handline fishing areas and reduce potential conflicts. Bycatch management measures, including protocols for handling sharks and other non-target species, are also part of the regulation.

However, international scientists and conservation groups are raising alarms about the potential negative impacts of reopening longline fishing.

The Blue Marine Foundation stated that the new regulation could threaten the Maldives' shark sanctuary status and impact local fisheries and tourism. Longline fishing, which was banned in 2010 due to overfishing concerns, poses risks to marine biodiversity and the economic stability of local fishers, it said. 

The Maldives Ocean Alliance and the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union have also launched a petition urging the government and international community to reconsider. Concerns include the potential for increased bycatch of vulnerable species and the undermining of sustainable fishing practices that are integral to the nation's economy and marine health.

"Allowing longline fishing poses grave risks to local livelihoods and food security, as it could threaten crucial fish stocks. It would introduce competition that undermines the economic stability of local fishers whose livelihoods depend on sustainable fishing techniques like one-by-one," said Shaha Hashim, chairperson for the Maldives Resilient Reefs and member of the Maldives Ocean Alliance. 

"Further declines in yellowfin and bigeye tuna stocks could affect the livelihoods of traditional one-by-one fishers, who would face competition from groups capable of catching large quantities through longlines. The draft regulation allows for shark bycatch to be landed, a move that threatens the Maldives' status as a shark sanctuary. Sharks, which have seen a decline of over 70% in the past 50 years, are crucial to fisheries, tourism and ocean health," concluded Hashim.  

In response to these concerns, the draft regulation is being shared with stakeholders, including handline fishers, tuna processors, and enforcement agencies, for feedback.