Now you have a better understanding of sharks, look at the infographic below to learn about how people have influenced shark populations over time.

Fortunately, the Maldives recognises the importance of sharks for both people and the environment.

To promote shark awareness and conservation among fishers and tourists in the Maldives, a code of conduct could include the following guidelines:

Find out more about the whale shark #BeGentletoGiants code of conduct: https://www.begentletogiants.org/maldives 

Next, let’s look at our campaigns which helped to maintain the protection of sharks in the Maldives. 

#SaveOurSharks

In 2021, more than 200 local and international organisations formed the #SaveOurSharks Alliance in support of keeping the Maldives a shark sanctuary. The campaign aimed to raise awareness among the Maldivian public and policymakers about the importance of sharks for the Maldives tourism, fisheries and ecosystems.

#AgainstLonglining

In August 2024 the Government of the Maldives reaffirmed the country’s support for traditional one-by-one tuna fisheries by halting plans to issue new longline fishing licenses. More than 30,000 people signed a petition to prevent the reopening of longlining fishing in the Maldives. Further, 177 international scientists signed an open letter addressing their concern. Longlining has a high level of bycatch killing sharks, turtles, manta rays, and more. This successful campaign protected countless sharks in the Maldives.

• Almost a third of shark species in the world are under threat, listed by IUCN from vulnerable to critically endangered.  

• Sharks are top predators that help control the population of other marine species.

• Sharks are fish not mammals.

• Over 200 million sharks are killed globally every year.