Motorised water sports banned in South Ari Marine Protected Area
The use of motorised water sports vehicles has been banned in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a conservation zone located in Alif Dhaalu Atoll.
SAMPA was established in 2009 and covers an area within a one-kilometre radius from the outer reef edge of islands stretching from the northwest of Rangali reef to the northern channel of Dhigurah. The area is known as a habitat for Whale shark in the Maldives.
A management plan for the conservation and use of the area was first issued in February last year. Authorities announced amendments to the plan on Thursday.
Under the revised rules, motorised water sports vehicles are not permitted to operate within the protected area.
Vehicles covered by the ban include:
- Jet skis
- Jet cars and similar watercraft
The amendments also require boats operating in the area to install propeller guards. This applies to vessels used for snorkelling and diving, speedboats and other boats entering the zone.
Authorities said the measure is intended to prevent injuries to people and whale sharks. Incidents involving propeller strikes have been reported previously.
All vessels operating in the area must install propeller guards before 30 June. After that date, only vessels equipped with propeller guards or jet engines will be allowed to operate within the protected zone.
Further amendments require snorkelling and diving vessels operating in the contact zone to display flags issued by the authorities. Resorts, dive centres and safari vessels will each receive one set of flags.
The set includes separate flags for diving and snorkelling activities.
Previous regulations limited each group to 15 minutes for snorkelling or diving within the area. Under the revised rule, a group may remain longer if no other groups are waiting to enter the site.
