An international petition against the Fisheries Ministry’s plan to allow longlining in the Maldives quickly gathered over 20,000 signatures in just six days. Concerns are growing about the negative impact longlining could have on both tourism and fishing industries. The petition, available at  only.one/act/against-longlining, urges the government to reject longlining due to its severe environmental damage, including the death of rays, seabirds, sharks, turtles, and dolphins. There are also significant worries about how this could hurt the Maldivian economy, which relies heavily on tourism and traditional fishing methods like pole-and-line and handline.

According to the 2022 Maldives Visitor Survey by the Ministry of Tourism, 28% of tourists visit specifically for diving and snorkeling. A 2019 study further revealed that businesses related to shark diving generate over US$51 million annually. The opportunity to see sharks while diving or to snorkel with manta rays and turtles is a major attraction for tourists. Popular sites include dive spots near shark habitats and Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, where people can snorkel with manta rays and whale sharks. This popularity means that shark diving alone contributes more than US$14 million annually to the local economy.

Longlining threatens to damage the Maldives' reputation as a leading marine tourism destination, potentially reducing tourism revenue by killing numerous marine species. Mohamed Muthalib, Minister of State for Fisheries and Ocean Resources, stated that only 2% of bycatch would be sharks and highlighted the economic benefit of selling them. However, given that sharks are endangered, this 2% is concerning. A study in Barbados found that a live reef shark is worth US$250,000 over its lifetime to the economy, compared to just US$50-60 if killed and sold.

The Maldives is known for its sustainable fishing practices, using only pole-and-line or handline methods. This tradition has earned Maldivian tuna a reputation as the world's most sustainable fishery, with major retailers like Marks & Spencer and Waitrose selling it for its sustainability. Longlining poses a threat to this reputation because it is known for its destructive impact and the large-scale killing of marine species.

The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union has expressed strong opposition to longlining, stating it would significantly harm the environment and local well-being. The Miyaru Programme, a shark research and conservation NGO, highlights that global shark populations have declined by 71% due to increased fishing pressure, and allowing longlining would push many species further toward extinction. The #AgainstLonglining campaign has gained widespread support on social media from individuals in the Maldivian dive tourism industry. The petition continues to collect signatures and has been submitted to key government offices, reflecting strong opposition from both Maldivians and the global community.