Maldives bans reef shark hunting to woo tourists

The Maldives yesterday banned reef shark hunting in a bid to protect the atoll nation's fragile ecology and attract more divers.

The new law would stop shark hunting in shallow waters around the country's 1,192 coral islands, the government said.

"The ban will restore the Maldives' shark populations and, in doing so, help maintain our pristine marine environment," said President Mohamed Nasheed.

"The shark hunting ban will also help the tourism industry. More divers and snorkelers will now visit the Maldives to observe these beautiful sea creatures."

The Maldives' coral reefs are home to large numbers of sharks, manta rays, turtles and exotic fish, making the country a top diving destinations.

There is no domestic market in the Maldives for shark meat, which is mainly exported to East Asian nations.