The police have begun working with the Environmental Regulatory Authority's (ERA) rangers in monitoring and patrolling the protected area at AA. Atoll (SAMPA: South Ari Marine Protected Area) known for being home to whale sharks and rays.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology wrote on their website that with the police becoming involved in monitoring the area, they will work to ensure the protection of the area and it will strengthen protection efforts of marine life as well.
The ministry has appealed to all parties that make use of the area to follow the management plan that was put together via the ERA.
Details to pay attention to while making use of the area
- To ensure the vessel in use is registered
- To ensure the vessel in use has a registered guide on board
- To inform the rangers before entering the area and to share a live location while conducting activities in the area
- To use flags on the vessels
- To put propeller guards on the vessels before 30th June
SAMPA was listed as a protected area in 2009. The area covers the north west reef of ADh. Rangali, to the outer reefs edge extending one kilometer outward of the islands in the northern corner of AA. Dhigurah. Marine vessels take hundreds of tourists out to this area, which is home to many whale sharks.
However, many dangerous accidents have occurred within the area. An individual died in an accident that occurred last year where a speedboat collided and sped over said person, with propeller guards being made mandatory on vessels after the accident.
