Access to the SAMPA area restricted to registered vessels only

The government has restricted entry into the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) in Alif Dhaal Atoll to registered vessels only. All vessels for whale shark excursions, snorkeling, or diving must be registered via an online portal. Requirements include displaying a special flag, notifying rangers before entry, and sharing live location. Personal watercraft like jet skis are prohibited. Snorkeling and diving vessels must install propeller guards by the end of this month. The protected zone covers a one-kilometer radius from outer reef slopes between ADh. Rangali Reef and the northern channel of Digurah. Designated in 2009, SAMPA hosts the largest whale shark population in the Maldives. The action follows tragic incidents due to lack of regulations and non-compliance.

The government has restricted entry into the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) in Alif Dhaal Atoll to registered vessels only. All vessels for whale shark excursions, snorkeling, or diving must be registered via an online portal. Requirements include displaying a special flag, notifying rangers before entry, and sharing live location. Personal watercraft like jet skis are prohibited. Snorkeling and diving vessels must install propeller guards by the end of this month. The protected zone covers a one-kilometer radius from outer reef slopes between ADh. Rangali Reef and the northern channel of Digurah. Designated in 2009, SAMPA hosts the largest whale shark population in the Maldives. The action follows tragic incidents due to lack of regulations and non-compliance.

The government has restricted entry into the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) in Alif Dhaal Atoll to registered vessels only. All vessels for whale shark excursions, snorkeling, or diving must be registered via an online portal. Requirements include displaying a special flag, notifying rangers before entry, and sharing live location. Personal watercraft like jet skis are prohibited. Snorkeling and diving vessels must install propeller guards by the end of this month. The protected zone covers a one-kilometer radius from outer reef slopes between ADh. Rangali Reef and the northern channel of Digurah. Designated in 2009, SAMPA hosts the largest whale shark population in the Maldives. The action follows tragic incidents due to lack of regulations and non-compliance.

This story involves 1 source and may affect public understanding of vessel registration / marine protected area.