Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has threatened to take action against individuals who are adversely affecting protected marine species in Maldives.
The agency said in a statement that the holiday season has led to an increase in tourism-related activities such as snorkeling, diving and cruising. With that, there has been an increased interest in sightseeing the diverse types of rays, such as Manta and Eagle Rays.
The agency expressed concern about the rise in people adversely affecting protected species of rays during these activities.
Therefore, EPA said it will take action against them in accordance with the law.
EPA made the announcement after the agency's Director General Ibrahim Naeem spoke about the issue of feeding marine life and the consequential increase in people activity disrupting the species natural habitats.
All species of rays in the Maldives marine environment are protected under the Protected Species Act. Activities that disturbs protected species are prohibited under the regulations.
EPA said that marine animals are not domesticated pets, and touching and feeding them can disrupt their natural lifestyle and expose them to various diseases.
- Keep vessels at least three meters (10 feet) away from the rays natural habitat
- Reduce the speed of vessels to avoid harming ray as they sometimes swim to the surface to catch prey.
- Swimmers to be mindful of the creatures and avoid disrupting them.
According to EPA, many species of rays including Manta and Eagle Rays are listed as endangered species by various international treaties and organisations.
“The agency will take legal action against anyone who commits any act that harms the species,” the announcement said.
Some of the protected marine areas in Maldives are very popular tourist destinations. However, these places are not properly monitored, leading to overcrowding and damaging marine life.
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