Mandatory propeller guards and registration for vessels entering South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA)
The Maldivian government is implementing strict new regulations for vessels operating in the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), the largest protected marine area in the Maldives. Effective after the 30th of this month, boats will be prohibited from entering SAMPA without official registration and installed propeller guards. The sweeping regulatory changes follow a comprehensive […]
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 […]
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 […]
Maldives strengthens whale shark protection with new marine conservation regulations
The Government of Maldives has introduced a pivotal regulation, 2024/R-96, focused on improving whale shark interactions, underscoring the country’s commitment to marine conservation. This marks the seventh amendment to the Protected Species Regulation (2021/R-25), updating the original Code of Conduct for Whale Shark Protection and Conservation, which was first implemented in 2009. The new policy […]
A day in the life of Chiara Mascetti, Marine Biologist at LUX* Maldives
For this edition of A Day in the Life Of, Chiara Mascetti shares what a typical day looks like as a marine biologist at LUX* Maldives.
