Shark Fishing In The Maldives

[Elton]

Does anyone know if this affects angling?

[Norm B]

Does anyone know if this affects angling?

It might affect fishing for sharks. Great news!

[Elton]

It might affect fishing for sharks. Great news!

 

I'm just wondering is angling is affected, as in 'banned'? If so, it ain't such great news.

[MaldiveAngler]

Does anyone know if this affects angling?

 

Hi Elton,

 

I run a liveaboard in the Maldives and I have raised the same question with authorities. We strongly support catch and release and we only take what we need to eat in the trips. We never target sharks and try to release them as soon as it gets boated.

 

This is more against the shark fin and teeth industry rather than game angling. I've suggested that each gamefish angler have a notice informing the sharks that they are not to bite the hooks and baits lowered, but it didnt really go well with the authorities. We're waiting for a better clarification on the laws, but I dont see a way to penalise the anglers for getting sharks caught on the lines. What should have been banned was killing and finning the sharks.

 

Just my two bits,

Ahmed

[Elton]

Thanks, Ahmed. You've kind of confirmed what I thought when I read the article; that the laws, although targeted at people who commercially target sharks to kill them, may not be all that clear. It's quite often the case that angling gets wrapped up in legislation meant for others.