Tuesday, January 21, 2025 The Maldives government has reaffirmed its commitment to whale shark conservation by mandating the use of propeller guards on excursion boats. This strict measure aims to ensure the safety of Whale Sharks (Fehurihi) and their habitat. The new regulation will extend beyond the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), covering all regions where whale shark activity is prevalent.
Renowned worldwide for its year-round whale shark sightings, SAMPA remains a cornerstone of marine conservation in the Maldives. The updated protocol will be enforced within the next three months. “Sometimes, over 100 tourists swim after a single whale shark; with no set policy.
Even speedboats venture into this area,” the Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim noted. The Minister said this protocol will be implemented within the next three months.
Special speedboats will be active in areas with whale shark activity and monitor vessels that take tourists to these sites. Last year, the Maldives introduced a legal framework to safeguard whale sharks and their natural environment. These policies outline precautions for interacting with the species and managing injured or distressed individuals.
A 250-meter radius around a whale shark is designated as a contact zone, limiting activity to three vessels at a time. Vessel speeds within these zones must not exceed 5 knots per hour, dropping to 2 knots when in proximity to a whale shark. “By mandati.
