Environment SAMPA / marine protected area South Ari Marine Protected Area Impact 5.0/10 2 min read

End-of-month deadline for whale shark-watching boats to install propeller guards

The Maldives Environment Ministry has set an end-of-month deadline for all vessels operating within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) to install propeller guards. SAMPA is a protected area under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, located in South Ari Atoll. It is known for year-round whale shark sightings. The management plan, issued in February last year, requires propeller guards to reduce injuries to whale sharks from boat propellers. The Ministry announced the deadline on X. The plan also includes speed restrictions: 10 knots (18 km/h) throughout the area and 5 knots (9 km/h) within a 250-meter contact zone around whale sharks.

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Jun 15, 2026

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The Maldives Environment Ministry has set an end-of-month deadline for all vessels operating within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) to install propeller guards. SAMPA is a protected area under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act, located in South Ari Atoll. It is known for year-round whale shark sightings. The management plan, issued in February last year, requires propeller guards to reduce injuries to whale sharks from boat propellers. The Ministry announced the deadline on X. The plan also includes speed restrictions: 10 knots (18 km/h) throughout the area and 5 knots (9 km/h) within a 250-meter contact zone around whale sharks.

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