Maldives releases SAMPA management plan, requires vessel propeller guard

Maldives’ government has released a management plan for the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), outlining regulations for marine vessel operations and visitor guidelines. The plan includes a requirement to install a guard on the propellers of vessels entering the protected area.

SAMPA, designated as a protected area in 2009, covers a one-kilometre radius around each island between the northwest of ADh. Rangali Reef and the northern reef of ADh. Dhigurah. It is known for having the largest population of whale sharks in the Maldives.

The Environment Ministry announced that the new regulations will be implemented within the next three months. Key measures include:

• All vessels entering SAMPA must have a security guard installed on their propellers.
• If a whale shark is spotted, a maximum of four vessels can allow passengers to enter the water to observe it.
• The total number of people in the water at any time cannot exceed 60.

The implementation of the management plan will be overseen by a committee comprising representatives from:

• Ministry of Environment
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Ministry of Defence
• Ministry of Fisheries
• Maldives Police Service
• Alif Dhaal Atoll Council and relevant island councils
• Tourism businesses and associations

The ministry is also responsible for enforcing the plan and training specialists to monitor compliance.

Following the plan’s announcement, the EPA issued a separate directive requiring all vessels operating in SAMPA to be registered within three months.

SAMPA is one of the largest protected areas in the Maldives and is recognised globally as a location where whale sharks can be observed year-round. However, incidents involving tourists being injured by boat propellers have been reported in the area.