The Government of Maldives has taken a significant step towards the conservation of whale sharks (Fehurihi) once again with the strict reinforcement of propeller guards on excursion boats.
“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 to monitor vessels taking tourists to these sites.
Additionally, the new regulation requiring propeller guards will be expanded to areas beyond South Ari Marine Park (SAMPA), where whale shark activity is observed. SAMPA is a world-renowned area, and its most significant feature is that whale sharks can be seen there throughout the year. The protocol must be followed in all these areas and will come into effect within the next three months.
“By mandating propeller guards, we are taking a significant step towards ensuring the safety of both whale sharks and those who admire them. This measure reflects our commitment to sustainable tourism and the preservation of our marine environment,” added Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO & MD of Visit Maldives.
Last year, the Maldives government introduced a legal framework to protect whale sharks and their natural habitat. The policies include guidelines on how to interact with these creatures and manage an injured or unwell whale shark. According to the policy, a distance of 250 meters around a whale shark is considered a contact zone, where only three vessels can be active at a time. While in these zones, the speed of the vessels must not exceed 5 knots per hour, and when in the vicinity of a whale shark, the speed must not exceed 2 knots per hour.
With these new regulations, the Maldives continues to lead in marine conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the beauty of these gentle giants. This not only enhances the experience for tourists interacting with whale sharks in the Maldives but also safeguards the vital ecosystem that supports them in their natural habitat.
