Once a sanctuary for exotic underwater species, the Maldives is facing a dramatic dive in shark numbers. Chinese demand for fins is driving the collapse, with local fishermen targeting sharks to cash in on their market value. One of the most feared creatures in the world. Yet in the Maldives, tourists pay big bucks for a close encounter with sharks. These waters have long been a haven for at least 37 different species.But environmentalists are now raising alarm bells. Ali Rilwan, Bluepeace, “It is urgent, you know. Some areas according to the divers who had dived for years, the stock are, the shark stocks are dwindling.” Demand for shark fins, mainly from China, is driving many fishermen to hunt the ocean’s largest predatory fish. It’s the fins that are the most valuable. The rest of the shark is often discarded. To literally feed the growing demand for shark fin soup, a delicacy in Chinese culture, green groups say more than 73 million of the creatures are killed world- wide every year. Mohammad Shakir, Fisherman, “When other fishing is bad in the atoll, they (fishermen) go for sharks because they get a high income.” The government says it has a vested interest in protecting sharks. They attract thousands of tourists, who bring millions of dollars. Authorities have banned shark fishing around many atolls, but the trade continues. Abdulla Naseer, Permanent Secretary, Maldives Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Marine Resources, “We strongly believe that the best way to do this would be to go for a complete ban on sharks, you know. And that’s what we are working towards.” But it may be too little too late. Some 83 species of sharks are already listed as endangered or vulnerable. Many in the Maldives say they are simply enjoying these creatures while they can.