Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim has stated that efforts are underway to draft a plan to ensure the sustainable maintenance of whale shark habitat in Alif Alif Atoll. The South Ari Marine Park (SAMPa), one of the Maldives’ largest protected areas, is renowned for its year-round whale shark sightings. Whale sharks are generally harmless creatures towards humans.
Speaking at the ceremony held in Dhigurah, Alif Dhaalu Atoll, to commemorate the International Whale Shark Day, Minister Thoriq highlighted that whale sharks were an endangered species adding that several tourists worldwide, visit the Maldives to see the whale sharks. The minister emphasised the important role whale sharks play in the tourism sector, however, noting that some actions of visitors harm the whale sharks. Hence, stressed the necessity of protecting the environments of whale sharks, revealing that efforts are underway to draft a plan to ensure the sustainable maintenance of whale sharks in SAMPa. As such, a workshop has been held today to draft the plan, and saw the participation of resorts, guest houses and island councils nearby the SAMPa area.
During the ceremony, guidelines pertaining to how to keep actions near whale shark habitats were officiated. The guidelines were officiated by the Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar. According to the guidelines, it is prohibited for individuals to be three feet close to whale sharks or touching. It also prohibits obstructing shark movement and mandates to keep a distance of at least 20 meters when diving with the sharks.
The International Whale Shark Day is commemorated annually on August 30. This initiative aims to address challenges facing whale sharks due to environmental changes and human activities while raising awareness about their protection.