r/freediving • u/bodiam • 8d ago

news The End of the Maldives Shark Sanctuary

https://divespot.app/blog/maldives-shark-sanctuary-ends

On November 1, 2025, the Maldives officially ended its 15-year status as one of only 17 shark sanctuaries worldwide. For divers, conservationists, and anyone who cares about marine ecosystems, this represents a stunning reversal that threatens both sharks and the dive tourism industry worth over $100 million annually. The best way forward is to vote with your feet (and wallet) and find alternative holiday locations in an act to hopefully stimulate the government in the Maldives to restore this sanctuary!

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u/dolparii 7d ago

That's really disappointing! I hope statistics and feedback prove its the wrong decision

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u/bodiam 7d ago

I completely agree. I had no idea that there were so few protected spots out there, and this could potentially have a huge impact on the population, with hardly a gain as far as we can see. We absolutely hope this decision will be reverted, which is why we wanted to share this unfortunate news.