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South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMP) – Regulations & Guidelines

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Legal Framework

The protection of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMP) is governed under Maldives Law No. 4/93 – Maldives Environmental Protection Law. Specifically, the Ari Atoll Whale Shark Area Protection Law and Rules outline the regulations for this protected zone.

As per Regulation No. R-78/2018, all activities within the SAMP area must adhere to strict guidelines, and any violations will be fully enforced by the Government of Maldives under the law.


Vessel & Crew Registration Requirements

To operate within the SAMP area, all vessels must:

  • Be registered under the SAMP portal.

  • Hold a valid registration certificate.

  • Have a licensed captain registered in the portal.

For snorkeling and diving activities, both the captain and crew must also be registered in the SAMP portal. Upon successful registration, the authorities will issue a Permit Certificate allowing access to the area.


Operational Guidelines for Vessels

To ensure the safety of marine life and visitors, the following rules must be followed:

  1. Propeller Guards:

    • All vessels operating for snorkeling and diving purposes must be equipped with a propeller guard.

  2. Speed Limits:

    • The general cruising speed within the SAMP area must not exceed 10 knots.

    • In the Whale Shark Area, the cruising speed must not exceed 5 knots.

    • Within 50 meters of a whale shark, vessels must reduce speed to a maximum of 2 knots.

    • Within 15 meters of a whale shark, vessels must neutralize their engines and come to a complete stop.

  3. Guest Drop-off for Snorkeling:

    • When dropping guests for snorkeling, the drop-off point must be behind the whale shark to avoid interference with its movement.


Whale Shark Spotting & Interaction Guidelines

To regulate human interaction and minimize disturbances to whale sharks, the following rules must be observed:

  1. Maximum Capacity:

    • No more than 60 people may be in the water at any given time.

    • Each person is allowed a maximum of 15 minutes in the water.

  2. Vessel Distance & Restrictions:

    • All vessels must maintain a minimum distance of 25 meters from each other.

    • Vessels smaller than 10 meters are not allowed in this area.

  3. Certified Guides:

    • For every six guests, there must be at least one certified SAMP guide.

  4. Permit System & Timing:

    • All vessels must obtain a permit through the Access Permit Booking System or via the official hotline before entering the SAMP area.

    • Snorkeling and free diving are allowed only between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

    • Each person is allowed 15 minutes per session in the water.

  5. Safe Interaction with Whale Sharks:

    • Swimmers and divers must maintain a minimum distance of 3 meters from the whale shark.

    • No one is allowed to position themselves in front of a whale shark.





Research, Survey, and Filming Regulations

  1. All research and surveys conducted in this area require prior approval and permits.

  2. Filming and videography within the SAMP area require a special permit from the relevant authorities.

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