Review of Shark Diving Practices at Fuvahmulah, Maldives 2024

Abstract

In 2023/24 the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP) contracted shark experts to undertake a review of shark diving practices at Fuvahmulah Atoll – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in southern Maldives, on behalf of Fuvahmulah City Council and Maldives Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy. In recent years a valuable shark diving industry has developed in Fuvahmulah as it has become globally recognised for its dive encounters with an abundance of elusive marine megafauna species. Of particular interest is the opportunity for divers to experience close encounters with multiple tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), attracted to the dive site via provisioning (the use of bait).

This report aims to:

1. Review current dive practices in Fuvahmulah, including current and past provisioning practices and how the local dive industry has developed current management measures;
2. Provide a review of provisioning shark tourism with case studies and examples from different global sites;
3. Consider best practices and considerations for developing a unified Code of Conduct for shark diving tourism;
4. Explore examples of sustainable fish waste practices from around the world with possible application for Fuvahmulah.

As part of the Review the authors conducted a total of 35 interviews with all dive operators, council members, community members, local NGOs, fishers and researchers. Through semi-structured interviews, the authors gained insight into current and past practices, priorities, successes, concerns and future hypothetical scenarios.

All results, considerations and options put forth in this report are presented with the basis that stakeholder involvement and participation is crucial for a successful and inclusive sustainable shark diving industry in Fuvahmulah.

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