Monday 15 Jun 2026
Whale shark.
The Environment Ministry has set a deadline until the end of this month for all vessels operating within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) to install propeller guards.
SAMPA is a protected area established under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act. The zone extends within a one-kilometer radius from the outer reef edge of the islands situated between the northwestern corner of Rangali reef and the northern tip of Dhigurah reef in South Ari Atoll.
Recognized internationally for its rich biodiversity and natural resources, SAMPA is among the few locations in the world where whale sharks can be observed throughout the year.
The area attracts visitors from around the world year-round for whale shark excursions. However, concerns have grown over injuries to whale sharks as a result of contact with boat propellers during diving and snorkeling activities.
In response to these concerns, the management plan issued by the Environment Ministry in February last year requires all vessels entering the SAMPA area for whale shark watching activities to be fitted with propeller guards.
In a post on X on Monday, the Ministry announced that all vessels must comply with the requirement by the end of the current month.
The Ministry stated that the measure is intended to reduce damage to boat propellers and gearboxes in the event of a collision, while also enhancing the safety of both whale sharks and people by minimizing the risk of propeller-related injuries.
The management plan also sets out specific codes of conduct for tourists, "SAMPA guides," vessel captains, and crew members during whale shark encounters.
Additionally, the plan establishes speed restrictions for vessels operating within the SAMPA zone. Throughout the protected area, vessels are prohibited from exceeding a speed of 10 knots (18 kilometer per hour). Within the "contact zone"—defined as a 250-meter radius around whale sharks—the maximum permitted speed is further reduced to 5 knots (9 kilometer per hour).
