Current Situation
The Maldives is home to extraordinary marine biodiversity. Whale sharks aggregate around South Ari Atoll year-round, and the Maldives hosts significant populations of manta rays, sea turtles, and reef sharks. The tourism industry has a vested interest in protecting these species, and regulations prohibit touching or chasing marine animals. The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme has documented individual whale sharks and studied their behavior, contributing to conservation knowledge. However, welfare issues arise from tourist interactions—despite regulations, some operators allow or encourage touching, riding, and close pursuit of marine animals, causing stress and injury. Enforcement of marine protection regulations across dispersed islands is logistically challenging. Dolphin watching tourism, particularly night spinner dolphin excursions, has been criticized for disrupting natural behavior patterns of resident dolphin pods. Fishing practices in the Maldives use traditional pole-and-line methods for tuna, which have lower bycatch than many industrial fishing methods. However, welfare at point of capture is not addressed—tuna are caught alive on unbarbed hooks and killed on deck. Sustainable fishing certifications have focused on ecological sustainability rather than fish welfare. Companion animal welfare faces challenges due to the island geography. Each inhabited island is isolated, making veterinary care expensive and infrequent. Stray cats are widespread and have significant ecological impacts on nesting seabirds, particularly on uninhabited islands. The Maldives Animal Rights and Welfare Society advocates for improved companion animal management.
Key Welfare Issues
Animal welfare challenges reflect the intersection of cultural practices, economic constraints, environmental pressures, and institutional capacity. Sustainable improvements require context-sensitive approaches that engage local communities while connecting to international standards and scientific evidence.
Conservation Context
Wildlife conservation and animal welfare are deeply linked — healthy ecosystems support animal wellbeing, and species-level conservation benefits individual animals. Integrating welfare science into conservation programs improves outcomes for both individual animals and populations.
Pathways Forward
Progress requires investment in veterinary infrastructure, community engagement, legislative reform, and international cooperation. Organizations including the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), regional networks, and local NGOs provide essential support for welfare improvements.