President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Gulper shark fishery will resume operations in November under a renewed and comprehensive management plan aimed at ensuring sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Speaking to residents of Kulhudhuffushi City during his tour of the inhabited islands of South Thiladhunmathi Atoll, the President highlighted the city’s longstanding reliance on Gulper shark fishing as a vital source of income.

He noted that the government is revising existing regulations to facilitate the reopening and urged fishermen to prepare for the resumption of the fishery.

Alongside fisheries development, President Dr. Muizzu unveiled several initiatives to boost tourism and infrastructure in the region.

Plans include inviting investors to establish a city hotel near the airport and designating Keylakunu as a new eco-tourism destination, expanding tourism opportunities in the southern part of Thiladhunmathi Atoll.

The visit also saw the signing of key agreements for Kulhudhuffushi’s development.

These included expanding the commercial port, setting up a bonded zone service to strengthen food and construction material storage, and inaugurating upgraded harbour facilities.

As part of efforts to improve transportation, the foundation stone for a new passenger terminal at Kulhudhuffushi Airport was laid to increase capacity and enhance services.

Additionally, construction will soon begin on an Islamic Centre, a new Bank of Maldives Business Centre, and a Waste and Resource Management Centre to support sustainable urban growth.

The President also launched the third phase of the city’s road modernisation project, featuring dedicated racing roads, and signed agreements for two major housing projects: resuming 400 stalled housing units and building 2,000 new units across designated zones and private land.

In sports infrastructure, the President announced the development of a dual-purpose football and handball ground, a synthetic track set to begin construction in December, and a beach handball stadium ahead of next month’s Commonwealth Beach Handball Tournament.