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Maldives Takes a Dive Toward Whale Shark Conservation with New Regulations

The Maldives has just made a huge splash in marine conservation with the release of Regulation No. 2024/R-96, a major update designed to enhance our interactions with one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring creatures—the whale shark! This regulation is the seventh amendment to the Protected Species Regulation (2021/R-25) and revises the original Code of Conduct for Whale Shark Conservation, which was first introduced in 2009.

So, what’s new? In short, these updated rules are all about keeping both tourists and whale sharks safe. Picture this: you’re swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, and suddenly, a gentle giant, a whale shark, gracefully glides by. Now, thanks to these new guidelines, your experience with this incredible animal will be more respectful and eco-friendly than ever before.

One of the key highlights of the regulation is the safe-distance rule—swimmers must stay at least three meters away from the body of a whale shark and four meters from its powerful tail. No touching, no grabbing, and definitely no holding on for a ride! Calm and quiet is the vibe, with tourists encouraged to stay to the sides of the whale shark, so they don’t spook it or get in its way.

And it doesn’t stop there! To protect these creatures even more, feeding them is strictly off-limits, and you can forget about using flash photography, selfie sticks, or bright lights during your encounter. If you’re a drone enthusiast, you’ll need to stay 30 meters above the water to snap those epic shots—no buzzing drones near these gentle giants!

Boats are also getting in on the conservation action. Only three vessels are allowed in a 250-meter zone around a whale shark at any given time, with speed limits capped at five knots per hour (and even slower within 50 meters). These rules help ensure that whale sharks can swim freely, without being blocked or disturbed by humans.

But what if you see a whale shark in distress? The new regulation has that covered too. If a whale shark is injured or tangled in something, there are clear steps to follow, including notifying the Environment Protection Agency and ensuring the animal’s safe release.

This new regulation not only enhances the experience for tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures but also plays a crucial role in protecting the ecosystem that supports them. By putting these rules into action, the Maldives is cementing its reputation as a global leader in marine conservation—ensuring that future generations will be able to marvel at these ocean giants just as we do today.

So, the next time you dive into Maldivian waters, remember: you’re swimming in a country that’s taking big steps to protect its gentle giants!

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