WHAT ARE THE NEW WHALE SHARK ENCOUNTER GUIDELINES FOR THE MALDIVES?
The recently introduced South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) Management Plan aims to balance unforgettable whale shark encounters with responsible tourism. By drawing from the successes of Hanifaru Bay, research from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, and invaluable local stakeholder input, this long awaited initiative will in the long term enhance both whale shark conservation and visitor experiences in particular within SAMPA but along in other whale shark designated areas. Changes will, in the long term, result in positive experiences for both whale sharks and tourists and we are privileged to have played our part along with other local stakeholders.
Currently, documents are in Dhivehi only and therefore please find below an unofficial translation which highlights the key requirements. https://gazette.gov.mv/iulaan/326014
REQUIREMENTS FOR VESSELS
– All vessels visiting SAMPA and whale shark areas must be registered with the EPA
– All vessels currently operating within SAMPA must register within the next three months (By end April 2025)
– The following are required to be submitted for registration – Vessel Registration Certificate, Maritime License, Seaworthiness Certificate, Passenger Certificate.
– Vessels must install guards on propellers if operating within 250 metres of a whale shark
– If operating within 250 metres of a whale shark or within SAMPA, vessels must not exceed five knots per hour
– Within 50 meters of whale shark, speed should not exceed two knots per hour
– Vessels are required to be 25m away from other vessels
– Vessels smaller than 10ft and water sport equipment including jet skis cannot operate within SAMPA
– Vessels must maintain a 1km distance seaward from the reed edges of all islands between the southwest corner of Rangali island and the northern tip of Dhigurah island.
– A SAMPA ranger vessel from the ministry will monitor the site to ensure compliance
REQUIREMENTS FOR SNORKELING GUIDES
– Guides operating with SAMPA must hold a SAMPA registered guide certificate issued by EPA
– Registered guides operating with SAMPA must know the guidelines well and will be required to take a test and pass an exam
– Registered guides operating with SAMPA must be EFR certified
– Registered Guides must achieve minimum rescue diver certification within 1 year of registration as a SAMPA guide
– The SAMPA registered guide certification is valid for 3 years.
– The SAMPA registered guide certificate must be renewed 3 months before expiry, including resitting of test and submission of new copies of certifications RD and EFR.
– Process for registration will be through EPA and details are not yet published.
REQUIREMENTS FOR WHALE SHARK ENCOUNTERS
– For every 6 guests with the whale shark there must be a SAMPA registered guide.
– When the whale shark is sighted the vessel must inform SAMPA rangers and hoist the flag which will be provided by EPA to registered vessels. The flag will indicate the vessel has sighted a whale shark – Including the vessel which has sighted the whale shark, a maximum total of 4 vessels can join the encounter in the water
– Maximum number in the water at any time with the whale shark can not exceed 60 people.
– Each person can be with the whale shark in the water for no longer than 15 mins
– According to weather conditions the SAMPA rangers have the right to change the number of guides and guests in the water with the whale shark
– SAMPA registered guides must give briefing to guests of the area and code of conduct before snorkeling with the whale shark.
– EPA who issue SAMPA guide certification has the right to suspend the license for no shorter than 1 year or cancel the certification if guides do not abide by the rules and regulations
– Before going for diving or snorkeling in SAMPA permission must be acquired – process to be published
– For snorkeling and freediving the area can only be used from morning 6am to evening 6pm
– During whale shark encounters no one should not go in front of the whale shark or be positioned further forward than the gills
– A 3m distance from body and 4m from tail must be maintained at all timeswhen snorkeling with the whale shark
– It is strictly prohibited to touch whale sharks or attempt to swim alongside them while holding on.
– Feeding whale sharks is prohibited
– Interactions should be approached calmly and quietly, with movement limited to the sides of the whale sharks to avoid chasing or obstructing their natural path
– The use of flash photography, selfie sticks, or bright lights during interactions is prohibited
– Drone aerial photography must be operated at least 30 meters above sea level and within the operator’s line of sight
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SECRET PARADISE MALDIVES?
– The vessels we partner, notably. MV Felicity have completed registration and once issued we will maintain a copy on file.
– Once guide registration is opened we will complete for the members of our Tour Leader team who lead tours and cruises in this area. The boat captain of Felicity will also complete.
– All our team hold EFR as does Felicity Captain.
– For those tour leaders (2) who only hold up to Advanced Open Water certificates, we will fund Rescue Diver during low season 2025
– Our group sizes are always no more than 12 persons and with our Tour Leader and Felicity Captain onboard we will be able to maintain 6 guests to one guide.
– All other requirements we already follow and implement.
At Secret Paradise, we are committed to supporting these changes, ensuring our operations align with sustainable and ethical tourism practices and have been privileged to have been part of the feedback and validation process.
Want to encounter whale sharks and learn more about the biggest fish in the ocean? Join us on our Whale Shark Snorkeling Conservation Cruise.
