EPA to Begin Active Management of South Ari MPA by December

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is set to commence active management of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) by December this year, according to Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in response to a question from Dhangethi MP Abdulla Rasheed during a parliamentary session where Minister Thoriq was summoned to address inquiries from Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir.

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MP Rasheed, representing the constituencies of Dhangethi, Omadhoo, and Dhihdhoo in South Ari Atoll, inquired about the EPA’s regulations concerning SAMPA and the timeline for their implementation. He also advocated for the management to provide “opportunities” for small businesses, such as guesthouses and safari operators.

In response, Minister Thoriq confirmed that the EPA plans to begin official management of the SAMPA area in December. In March, EPA conducted trainings for rangers hired to oversee the management.

SAMPA, designated as a protected area in 2009, is the largest marine protected area in the Maldives and is renowned for hosting one of the world’s few year-round whale shark aggregations.

Despite its protected status, the area has lacked formal management for the past 15 years.

According to the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP), whale sharks in SAMPA contribute approximately USD 9 million annually in tourism revenue. However, concerns have been raised over overtourism and the resulting injuries to whale sharks due to inadequate management and regulation in the region.