Is Killing Sharks Illegal in the Maldives? (2026 Update)

If you are planning a trip to the Maldives or are curious about its world-famous marine conservation, you might be asking: is killing sharks illegal in the Maldives?

For over a decade, the answer was a simple "yes." However, as of 2026, the legal landscape has become more nuanced. While the Maldives remains a global leader in marine protection, recent legislative changes have introduced specific exceptions that every traveler and conservationist should know.

The Short Answer: It’s Complicated (But Mostly Illegal)

As of late 2025 and moving into 2026, it is still illegal to kill, catch, or harm the vast majority of shark species in Maldivian waters. Most notably, all reef sharks—the ones you see while diving or snorkeling—remain under 100% protection.

However, the Maldivian government recently legalized a highly regulated, seasonal fishery for one specific deep-sea species: the Gulper Shark.

The Current Legal Framework:

• Reef & Pelagic Sharks: STRICTLY ILLEGAL. Species like Whale Sharks, Hammerheads, Blacktip Reef Sharks, and Nurse Sharks are fully protected.

• Gulper Sharks: LEGAL UNDER LICENSE. Since November 2025, a limited number of licensed vessels are permitted to fish for deep-sea Gulper Sharks during specific months.

• Location Matters: Any authorized fishing must take place far offshore in deep-sea zones, well away from the atoll lagoons and tourist diving sites.

Why the Laws Changed

The Maldives established itself as a National Shark Sanctuary in 2010, banning all shark fishing within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This move turned the islands into a premier destination for shark tourism.

In 2024 and 2025, the government decided to diversify the fisheries sector. They argued that the deep-water Gulper Shark fishery is a traditional practice and that, with modern satellite tracking and onboard observers, it can be managed sustainably without affecting the reef ecosystems that drive tourism.

Penalties for Illegal Shark Killing

The Maldives takes its remaining protections very seriously. If someone is caught illegally killing a protected shark or fishing without the proper deep-sea license, the penalties are severe:

What This Means for Tourists in 2026

If you are visiting a resort or going on a liveaboard, your experience will likely not change.

• Shark Sightings: You will still see plenty of Grey Reef and Whitetip sharks. These species live in the shallow atoll waters where fishing remains strictly prohibited.

• Ethical Tourism: Most dive operators in the Maldives are vocal advocates for total protection. You can support conservation by choosing operators that follow "No Touch, No Feed" policies.

• Reporting: If you witness illegal fishing or see shark products for sale, you can report it to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.

Summary

While the Maldives' status as a "blanket" shark sanctuary has evolved into a more complex management system, it remains illegal for individuals, tourists, and unauthorized fishers to kill sharks. The protection of the reefs and the iconic species that inhabit them remains a cornerstone of Maldivian law.