MP Calls for More Resources for SAMPA Oversight

Galolhu North MP Mohamed Ibrahim has called for additional personnel, equipment, and technology to enhance the management of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) in Alif Dhaal Atoll. 

He stated that the current team of four rangers is insufficient to oversee the area effectively.

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MP Mohamed Ibrahim made this request in a letter to the parliamentary government oversight committee, urging an immediate solution to the challenges in SAMPA. He also called for senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Environment, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to appear before the committee.

In the letter, he highlighted that while the EPA monitors SAMPA under specific regulations, enforcement remains a challenge. Referring to a study by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, he outlined key concerns, including tourist congestion, injuries to whale sharks, and the presence of safari boats at night using lights that disturb marine life. The study recorded a decline in whale shark sightings from 48% in 2014 to 35% in 2019. It also found that whale shark injuries increased from 24% in 2006 to 45% in 2019, with most injuries caused by vessels.

MP Mohamed Ibrahim stated that the EPA and SAMPA rangers have been managing the site since 31 January, but enforcement is difficult due to the size of the area. He suggested adopting an adaptive management strategy to reduce vessel numbers, minimise injuries to whale sharks, and ensure sustainable tourism benefits. He proposed permanently deploying rangers in the area, arguing that continuous monitoring would be more effective than issuing immediate fines. He also emphasised the role of technology in improving management.

The government introduced a plan to manage SAMPA on 1 February, which will be implemented over three months. Under this plan, a guard must be placed on each vessel entering SAMPA. If a whale shark is spotted, visitors can enter the water from the four closest vessels, with a maximum of 60 people in the water at one time. The Ministry of Environment is responsible for protecting the area and training specialists to monitor compliance.