The marine protected areas have been established in and around the Hanifaru and An'gafaru regions of Baa atoll and Maamigili in South Ari atoll. Here fishing is limited, and diving and snorkelling subject to strict controls. Boats must observe low speed limits, introduced in a bid to prevent harmful collisions.
Impetus for the move came from the Government, the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) and the communities of the two atolls. The measure was announced by Mohamed Aslam, Environment Minister, on 8 June, World Ocean Day.
The Government has recognised the importance of protecting its marine assets, not only for the creatures themselves but for the sake of island businesses – the marine environment is, said Aslam, the “bedrock of our economy, supporting our largest industries, tourism and fisheries”.
The Maldives is one of the few places where whale sharks, the world’s largest fish, can be encountered all year round. In recent research the MWSRP has identified some 120 different individuals plying the area.
Other creatures that will benefit from the introduction of the marine protected areas, and which do much to draw visiting divers, include hammerhead and other reef sharks, and manta rays.
Related link
Getting close to whale sharks
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