As top predators, sharks play an important role in keeping oceans healthy. The Maldives have banned shark fishing since 2012, but little is known about shark abundance, distribution and population recovery. To guarantee a future for these iconic animals we must look to the past as well as the future.

Historical distributions are being assessed by interviewing former shark fishermen to document their extraordinary knowledge. Present-day shark distributions and abundances are annually monitored using baited remote underwater videos (BRUV). Video footage captured on GoPros is processed in the Marine Lab revealing shark abundances and distributions without disturbing or harming the animals.

These are the first baselines of shark populations in the Maldives. Ongoing monitoring will allow us to assess the success of the nation-wide ban and long term changes in abundances and distributions of sharks. Data are shared with the government to help them achieve their National Plan of Action to conserve and manage sharks.