Access to the SAMPA area restricted to registered vessels only
The Ministry of Environment has mandated that all vessels entering the Sampa protected area in Alif Dhaal Atoll must be registered and share their live locations. Under these new regulations, the use of jet skis is strictly prohibited within the zone, and vessel operators have been given a deadline to install propeller guards as a safety measure. These actions aim to reduce incidents caused by reckless navigation and ensure the sustainable management of the area's marine biodiversity.
A registered dive boat operates within the protected SAMPA area in Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives. | RaajjeMV
The government has announced that entry into the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) in Alif Dhaal Atoll will now be restricted exclusively to vessels specifically registered for that purpose.
According to the Ministry of Environment, all vessels entering the protected area for whale shark excursions, snorkeling, or diving are now required to be registered. The Ministry has announced that the registration process is now open for vessels through its dedicated online portal.
The Ministry has outlined several key requirements for vessels entering the SAMPA (South Ari Marine Protected Area) under the newly implemented regulations. According to the guidelines, all vessels must be registered prior to entry and are required to display a special flag, issued upon registration, at all times while operating within the area. Furthermore, the Ministry stated that vessels must notify on-site rangers before entering the protected zone. Additionally, operators are required to share the vessel’s live location for the entire duration of their stay within the area.
The Ministry of Environment decided to take this action following a series of tragic incidents in the area, attributed to a lack of adequate regulations and widespread non-compliance with existing rules. To address these issues, the government has previously tightened regulations on several occasions and has also tasked the police with overseeing the surveillance and management of the area.
Under the newly established management plan for the protection and sustainability of the SAMPA (South Ari Marine Protected Area) region, the operation of personal watercraft such as jet skis and jet cars is now strictly prohibited. Furthermore, to minimize damage to marine life, all snorkeling and diving vessels, as well as speedboats entering the area, have been mandated to install propeller guards by the end of this month.
This protected zone encompasses a one-kilometer radius extending from the outer reef slopes of the islands situated between the northwestern point of ADh. Rangali Reef and the northern channel of Digurah. Originally designated as a protected area 17 years ago in 2009, this region is renowned for hosting the largest population of whale sharks in the Maldives.
