The Ministry of Tourism and Environment has issued the first amendment to the Management Plan for the Conservation and Maintenance of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), introducing mandatory regulations for vessels operating within the protected zone, set to take effect on July 31, 2025.

The amendment mandates that all vessels entering the designated contact zone must hoist a specific flag, regardless of whether whale sharks are present. Vessel operators are also required to share their live location with the Ministry while operating in the area.

Previously, operators were only required to hoist the flag and inform the Rangers’ hotline if whale sharks were spotted. Under the new regulation, the flag must be hoisted upon entry into the zone to improve monitoring and enforce safety protocols.

The amended plan also outlines new operational guidelines for vessels. Boats are required to navigate in a way that avoids disturbing whale sharks and must approach the marine animals from a designated route. A limit of six vessels at a time has also been placed on the number of vessels allowed in the contact zone at any given time. Additionally, all vessels must have at least one crew member certified in rescue diving.

The revised management plan follows multiple incidents reported in the area and is part of broader efforts to enhance environmental protection and ensure responsible tourism practices in the Maldives’ most visited marine site.

​ The South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) in the Maldives spans approximately 42 square kilometers, making it the country's largest marine protected area. Established in June 2009, SAMPA extends along a 42-kilometer stretch from the northwestern tip of Rangali Island to the northeastern tip of Dhigurah Island, encompassing a 1-kilometer-wide corridor along the outer reef. Renowned globally for its year-round presence of whale sharks, SAMPA is a vital habitat for marine biodiversity, including manta rays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs.