The Maldives’ government has made a significant advancement in marine conservation with Regulation No. 2024/R-96, designed to enhance interactions with whale sharks – this regulation is the seventh amendment to the Protected Species Regulation (2021/R-25), updating the Code of Conduct for the Protection and Conservation of Whale Sharks, which was first established in 2009.
This new policy is set to enhance the experience for tourists interacting with whale sharks in the Maldives while also safeguarding the vital ecosystem that supports whale sharks in their natural habitat. With this regulation, the Maldives continues to lead by example in marine conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can appreciate the beauty of these gentle giants.
Key provisions include maintaining a minimum distance of three metres from the body and four metres from the tail of whale sharks. Touching or swimming alongside them while holding on is strictly prohibited.
Additionally, interactions must be approached calmly and quietly, with movement limited to the sides of the whale sharks to avoid chasing or obstructing their natural path.
The regulation also prohibits feeding whale sharks and restricts the use of flash photography, selfie sticks, and bright lights during interactions. Aerial photography guidelines dictate that drones must be operated at least 30m above sea level and within the operator’s line of sight. It also designates a 250m contact zone around whale sharks, allowing only three vessels at a time, enforcing a speed limit of five knots per hour, and reducing to two knots within 50m of the whale shark.
Emergency protocols are established for vessels, ensuring that whale sharks are not obstructed or disturbed during their natural behaviours.
In the event of encountering an injured or entangled whale shark, the regulation provides clear directives to follow, including notifying the Environment Protection Agency and ensuring the whale shark’s safe release.
