President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to reverse a Cabinet decision to issue licenses for longline fishing.

The President's Office said the decision taken by the Cabinet on June 13, 2024 to allow longline fishing was reversed after considering the concerns of fishermen.

The government changed its decision after fishermen, environmental groups and foreign organizations expressed concern over allowing longline fishing.

The President will seek the views of the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union and other relevant parties in the future, the President's Office said.

Meanwhile, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam had been promoting the importance of longline fishing until Thursday afternoon.

In an interview with PSM, Shiyam said it is important for Maldives to reach the quota given by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

"It is very important for us that the quota set [by the IOTC] is used to its fullest. I believe that the state revenue will increase if we meet the quota and we can work to increase our quota after that," he said.

The IOTC is the authority that issues quotas to various parties for fishing in the Indian Ocean.

The IOTC determines the fishing limit in the Indian Ocean after scientific studies. The quota is set under a resolution passed in 2021.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Shiyam said the fishing industry generates about USD 92 million and that the income could be increased to USD 120 million with longline fishing.

Maldivian fishermen are against allowing longline fishing in the country. A total of 18 organizations suggested recommendations to the rules on longline fisheries. They have also raised concerns and submitted nine key points to the Fisheries Ministry.