The government is moving to introduce new tourism segments by amending regulations to allow spearfishing in Maldivian waters and expand the scope of recreational diving.
Tourism Minister Thoriq Ibrahim said regulatory work is underway to permit spearfishing, which has been prohibited in the Maldives for four decades. The proposed change forms part of broader efforts to diversify the tourism sector and introduce new experiences for visitors.
Although spearfishing has long been banned, certain forms of fishing using hand-held iron rods remain common and are not currently restricted. The planned regulatory changes would formalise spearfishing as a permitted activity under a defined framework.
Alongside this, the government is also preparing to introduce technical recreational diving. Current regulations limit diving to depths of 30 metres, but the proposed changes would extend this to 40 metres, creating opportunities to attract divers seeking more advanced experiences.
Authorities expect that expanding diving limits and introducing new activities such as spearfishing could support tourism diversification and draw a broader range of visitors to the Maldives.
