The Ministry of Environment has announced that the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), the largest marine protected area in the Maldives, has come under the surveillance of the Maldives Police Service. This marks the first time law enforcement assistance has been enlisted to help manage and monitor the reserve.

The region is globally renowned for its year-round whale shark sightings, making it a highly significant marine habitat. The Environment Ministry noted yesterday that because SAMPA features numerous entry and exit points, relying solely on conventional monitoring methods has historically presented a major administrative challenge.

In light of this, the ministry has urged all users of the area to strictly adhere to established regulations. Key requirements include ensuring that all vessels are properly registered, utilizing licensed tour guides, and notifying park rangers prior to entering the zone. Additionally, operators are required to share their live locations and install protective propeller guards on their vessels by the end of this month.

To further bolster conservation efforts, a specialized initiative titled "Tech-for-Nature" was launched on February 5 this year. This project introduces modern technological resources to help protect the whale shark population while equipping rangers with digital monitoring tools.

The implementation of these technologies is expected to enhance data collection on local marine biodiversity, providing the essential research required to qualify the area for the IUCN "Green List." The primary objectives of the project remain managing tourist influxes and ensuring strict compliance with conservation guidelines. The Ministry of Environment concluded by reminding the public to follow designated codes of conduct and prioritize safety during all marine activities within the protected zone.