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How civil society and fishermen's union put an end to longline fishing to preserve biodiversity
Against long lining. © Transparency International Maldives
In the Maldives, environmental decisions are often entangled with deeper issues of governance, where unsustainable practices are not only driven by economic pressures but also by opaque policy-making and regulatory gaps. The decision to reintroduce longline fishing in Maldivian waters in early 2024 sparked concern among civil society organisations, who feared a resurgence of corruption and exploitation in a sector already marred by a troubling history.
Longline fishing, a method known for its environmental harm and links to illegal practices, was first banned in 2019. The decision followed revelations of widespread misreporting of catch data, at-sea transshipment, and systemic exploitation of migrant workers aboard vessels. These practices flourished under weak oversight and limited transparency, reinforcing the need for stringent governance in fisheries management.
When the President’s Cabinet moved to reinstate longline fishing in 2024, Transparency International’s chapter in Maldives, in collaboration with 17 other civil society organisations including Fisherman’s Unions, sounded the alarm. The decision to re-authorise longline fishing, they argued, disregarded both the environmental costs and the rights of marginalised communities who depend on sustainable fishing for their livelihoods.
In response, Transparency International Maldives mobilised an evidence-based advocacy campaign grounded in principles of transparency, accountability, and environmental justice. This followed an initiative taken by Maldives Ocean Alliance and Maldives Yellowfin Tuna Fishers Union to launch an international petition bringing attention to the issue. As part of the campaign, Transparency International Maldives led the process of commenting on the proposed draft regulation for the reintroduction of longline fishing and published a joint statement with other organisations calling on the government to reverse its decision, and take into account the voices of local communities, not just industrial stakeholders.
In August 2024, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reversed the Cabinet’s decision, effectively halting the reintroduction of longline fishing.
"Re-introducing longline fisheries would have opened the space for few corporate fishing vessels to exploit the yellowfin tuna stocks that local fisherman depend on for their livelihoods. The decision to reverse the policy was welcomed by fisheries unions and marine conservation organisations", said Hassan Mohamed, senior project coordinator at Transparency International Maldives.
