05/09/2024
A welcome outcome
📣 Announcement! The Maldivian government has decided not to resume longline fisheries.
🇲🇻 The Maldivian government has reaffirmed its commitment to local fishers by deciding not to resume longlining, a practice that could harm marine ecosystems. We commend the President of the Maldives for supporting only one-by-one tuna fisheries, ensuring the country remains among the world's most sustainable tuna producers.
🎣 Longline fishing is a large threat to manta rays. This fishing method uses miles of baited hooks, which unfortunately often catch non-target species like manta rays, leading to serious injuries or death. Additionally longlines are often lost in the ocean, harming or killing marine life long after the boats have left. Manta rays are especially vulnerable because they reproduce slowly, giving birth to just one pup every few years. This means even a small number of accidental catches can have devastating effects on their populations.
🤿 Manta rays are crucial for healthy marine ecosystems and contribute significantly to tourism in places like the Maldives, benefiting local communities that depend on this sector. By choosing to support sustainable fishing methods and avoiding harmful practices like longlining, we can help protect manta rays!
🙏 Thank you to everyone who signed the petition to prevent the reopening of longline fishing in the Maldives.
📸 Jasmine Corbett
