The government has drafted guidelines pertaining to the protection of whale shark species in the Maldives and their habitats. The initiative was introduced by the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, commemorating the International Whale Shark Day, which is observed annually on August 30.
The first guideline aimed at protecting whale sharks were initially drafted on June 5, 2009. Several notable amendments have been brought to the guidelines and will be implemented after a period of three months. The guidelines details on startegies to maintain a safe environment for whale sharks sustainably how the actions of humans must be when visting such sites. According to the guidelines, it is prohibited for individuals to be three feet close to whale sharks or touching them at all. It also prohibits obstructing shark movement and mandates to keep a distance of at least 20 meters when diving with the sharks. Additionally, it prohibits feeding whale sharks, using flash lights or any sort of lights near whale shark habitats, docking vessels near their habitats. The guidelines also prohibits utilising selfie sticks near the area and states that drone photo's must be taken 30m above the sea level.
The guidelines stipulate that the area extending 250 meters from the whale shark is designated as the Contact Zone. Within this zone, no more than three vessels are permitted at any given time. Vessels operating in this area must not exceed a speed of five knots per hour. If a vessel comes within 50 meters of the whale shark, it is required to reduce its speed to two knots per hour. However, vessels are allowed to exceed these speed limits in emergency situations. Additionally, vessels engaged in water sports are prohibited from entering the Contact Zone.
The guidelines also outline procedures for dealing with a sick whale shark. In the event that a whale shark becomes ensnared by a mooring line, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) must be notified immediately. If a whale shark is entangled, a sharp object, such as a knife, may be used to free it. Meanwhile, if the whale shark is injured due to natural causes or from contact with a blade, it should be left to recover in its natural environment. The guidelines further address the protocol for handling deceased or killed whale sharks. The ministry has specified that any breaches of these guidelines will result in fines.
In July 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified whale sharks as an endangered species on its red list. Whale sharks were previously designated as a protected species under the Fisheries Act of the Maldives.