The use of spearguns in sports fishing on dive sites may raise significant concerns, particularly regarding a potential for accidents that could adversely affect the diving tourism industry. Making Maldive an unsafe diving destination. Enforcement of sports fishing regulations in the Maldives has long been an issue, with many rules often disregarded and challenged on sports and on roads. 

While understanding these complexities, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, met with Minister of Tourism, Ibrahim Faisal, this afternoon to discuss the development of new sports fishing harbors, bringing together representatives from both ministries to address this evolving concern. 

This initiative aims to promote recreational fishing and support the sport-fishing community. However, many divers and some members of the scuba diving business community have expressed apprehension about the potential repercussions of unregulated sports fishing on the tourism sector, specially if actions may not be on time to enforce and apply for the regulation. Many resort and liveaboard owners worry that without proper management, sports fishing could disrupt the delicate balance between tourism and the marine ecosystem.

Though the use of spearguns is illegal at present, there have been ongoing reports of their use at key dive sites even at present. Dive centers are particularly anxious about the risk of accidents that may not only threaten marine life but also the safety of divers, which could lead to significant setbacks for the diving industry. The blatant disregard for legal regulations raises critical questions about the enforcement of existing laws and the adequacy of monitoring mechanisms. 

Additionally, the rising trend of fast vessels equipped with multiple engines, often used by youth for recreational fishing, further complicates the regulatory landscape. It’s similar like racing on roads, once it goes out of hand. It cannot be stopped at any point. The ongoing consultation aims to tackle these pressing concerns by developing regulations that can effectively mitigate risks and foster a sustainable environment for both the sport-fishing community and the tourism industry. To achieve this balance, implementing robust management strategies is essential to protect the fragile natural resources that are vital to the Maldives’ appeal as a premier tourist destination which safe for scuba divers.