President Muizzu Halts Longline Fishing Regulation Amid Concerns from Fishermen's Union

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided not to enforce the recently approved regulation allowing longline fishing in the Maldives, a policy initially sanctioned by the Fisheries Ministry on June 13, 2024. The decision comes after President Muizzu considered objections raised by the Bodu Kanneli Masverinnge Union (BKMU), a prominent fishermen’s organization.

In a statement from the President’s Office, it was clarified that the president’s choice to halt the implementation of the longline fishing license was directly influenced by the concerns presented by BKMU. The union had expressed significant reservations regarding the potential impact of longline fishing on the local ecosystem and the livelihoods of traditional fishermen.

The President’s Office also announced that President Muizzu plans to engage in further discussions with BKMU and other key stakeholders to address these concerns comprehensively. The administration is committed to a consultative approach, ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard and considered before any policy implementation.

"The government will continue to strive to implement policies and bring about positive changes so that the various concerns of the people can be addressed properly by listening to the views and discussions of the people," the President’s Office stated, reaffirming the administration’s dedication to transparent governance.

This development underscores President Muizzu’s focus on balancing economic development with environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities. The decision to pause the longline fishing regulation is seen as a step toward ensuring that policies are both environmentally responsible and aligned with the interests of Maldivian citizens.