A new regulation announced by the Maldivian government mandates propeller guards on boats operating in whale shark (Fehurihi) habitats. This is part of a broader initiative to protect the species and its habitat while ensuring sustainable tourism practices. 

Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim said that this protocol will be implemented in the next three months. The minister noted the growing challenges of unregulated tourism, especially in the South Ari Marine Protected Area, (SAMPA) where whale sharks can be seen throughout the year. 

“Sometimes, over hundred tourists swim after a single whale shark; with no set policy. Even speedboats venture into this area,” Minister Thoriq noted that the new regulation requiring propeller guards is not limited to SAMPA, and the protocol has to be followed in other areas where whale shark activity is observed.

New Measures:

•  The new regulation enforcing propeller guards applies beyond SAMPA to other whale shark habitats. 
• Protocol to be implemented in the next 3 months. 
• Special speedboats will monitor vessels in these areas.
• All vessels must be registered within 3 months.

Existing Legal Framework Protecting Whale Sharks

• Guidelines for handling injured or unwell whale sharks to minimize harm.
• A distance of 250 meters around a whale shark is considered a contact zone, where only three vessels can be active at a time.
• While in these zones, the speed of the vessels must not exceed 5 knots per hour
•  When in the vicinity of a whale shark, the speed must not exceed 2 knots per hour