The use of propeller guards on vessels active at the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) has been made mandatory.
The SAMPA area in the Maldives is the area sees which sees the most activity from the protected species, whale sharks. The area extends along the southern fringe of South Ari Atoll, with its countermeasures encompassing a 1-kilometer-wide zone seaward from the reed edges of all islands between the southwest corner of Rangalji island and the northern tip of Dhigurah island. The protected zone covers approximately 42 square kilometers.
The Environment Ministry Saturday required vessels carrying tourists to SAMPA area to install propeller guards within the next three months. Additionally, snorkeling and diving vessels active at SAMPA must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
According to the new rules, a maximum of 60 people will be allowed to enter the area at a time.