The Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, Thoriq Ibrahim, announced that vessels participating in whale shark tours will be required to use propeller guards, with the regulation set to take effect within three months. Speaking on State TV, the minister outlined measures to enhance safety and sustainability in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a prime tourist destination in Alif Dhaalu Atoll.

SAMPA, a 140-square-kilometer marine protected area, is a hotspot for whale shark tours, attracting thousands of tourists annually. However, the area lacks a robust management system, despite efforts by previous administrations. Approximately 100 tourists snorkel at the same time, often without site managers or clear guidelines to regulate excursions. Reports of speedboats and safari vessels operating recklessly in the presence of snorkelers have raised safety concerns.

Recent incidents, including the tragic deaths of two tourists struck by propellers and frequent reports of whale sharks bearing scars from collisions, have highlighted the urgent need for reform.

To address these challenges, the government is introducing a regulation mandating the use of propeller guards on all vessels entering SAMPA. This regulation, expected to be published within a week, will be implemented within three months.

Key measures include:

1. Vessel Registration and Training: All vessels entering SAMPA will be registered, and their operators will undergo proper training to ensure safety and compliance.


2. Speed Limits: Vessels must adhere to strict speed limits, reducing speeds to 5 knots per hour within the 250-meter contact zone around whale sharks and further lowering speeds to 2 knots within a 50-meter radius.


3. Tourist Guides: A guide must accompany every five tourists to ensure safe and organized excursions.


4. Monitoring and Enforcement: A designated speedboat will oversee compliance, and penalties will be imposed on those who violate the regulations.

The government aims to establish a comprehensive management system for SAMPA within its first year in office. This involves consultations with island councils, the public, guest houses, resorts, safaris, and relevant associations to ensure broad-based support and implementation.

Whale sharks, listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in 2016, are a key attraction in SAMPA. Policies first introduced in 2009 to protect whale sharks have undergone multiple amendments, emphasizing sustainable practices. For instance, the policy limits the number of vessels in the contact zone to three at a time and outlines emergency protocols for speedboat operations.

Minister Thoriq emphasized that the new measures will make SAMPA a safer and more sustainable destination for viewing whale sharks, ensuring the well-being of both marine life and tourists. With these reforms, the Maldives reaffirms its commitment to marine conservation and eco-friendly tourism.