Shark fishing in the Maldives is a reality but a terrible tragedy to a country that prides itself on housing exceptional oceanic and coral reef biodiversity. It is this biodiversity that brings thousands of tourists to its pristine shores every year; visitors whom are the backbone of economic development for the country. Yet, the number of sharks in these waters are rapidly decreasing day by day. In 2002, customs in the Maldives declared the export of over 18,000kg of shark fin products alone to foreign countries such as Hong Kong, where shark fin soup is considered a delicacy, and the demand for this prestigious product continues to increase exponentially as the wealthy middle class in China grows annually. In the Maldives, local fisherman are paid the equivalent of $8USD per kilo for the product which sells for up to $400USD per bowl in Hong Kong resteraunts. Not only are the Maldivian people being raped of one of the most precious, beautiful and ecologically important resources the country has, they are being ripped off royally for the priviledge.
The purpose of this petition is to raise support for the banning of shark fishing and finning in the Maldives. Whilst you have been reading this entry, approximately 200 sharks have been killed worldwide, and that is assuming you are a fast reader.
Shark fishing and finning is STILL LEGAL in the Maldives, despite the fact that they play an integral role in economic development through tourism, as well as the vitally important role they play in controlling the ocean ecosystem.
Please take the time to sign this online petition to Mr Abdulla, Minister for Environment proposing a on ban shark fishing in the Maldives, including the sale and export of shark products internationally.
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