President Muizzu Reverses Cabinet Decision on Longline Fishing Following Outcry From Advocacy Groups

President Mohamed Muizzu reversed a Cabinet decision to allow longline fishing in the Maldives following concerns from the Maldives Yellowfin Tuna Fishers' Union and environmental groups. The initial decision, championed by Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, was announced on 13 June 2024 and aimed to utilize the yellowfin tuna quota allocated by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) of 47,517 metric tonnes. Shiyam had claimed longline fishing could add US$120 million in revenue. An online petition against the decision garnered over 9,500 signatures, and 18 civil society organizations opposed it. The President's Office stated that further meetings with the union will occur and that future policy will seek public counsel.

President Mohamed Muizzu reversed a Cabinet decision to allow longline fishing in the Maldives following concerns from the Maldives Yellowfin Tuna Fishers' Union and environmental groups. The initial decision, championed by Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, was announced on 13 June 2024 and aimed to utilize the yellowfin tuna quota allocated by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) of 47,517 metric tonnes. Shiyam had claimed longline fishing could add US$120 million in revenue. An online petition against the decision garnered over 9,500 signatures, and 18 civil society organizations opposed it. The President's Office stated that further meetings with the union will occur and that future policy will seek public counsel.

President Mohamed Muizzu reversed a Cabinet decision to allow longline fishing in the Maldives following concerns from the Maldives Yellowfin Tuna Fishers' Union and environmental groups. The initial decision, championed by Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, was announced on 13 June 2024 and aimed to utilize the yellowfin tuna quota allocated by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) of 47,517 metric tonnes. Shiyam had claimed longline fishing could add US$120 million in revenue. An online petition against the decision garnered over 9,500 signatures, and 18 civil society organizations opposed it. The President's Office stated that further meetings with the union will occur and that future policy will seek public counsel.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of policy reversal / longline fishing.