Monitoring and enforcing the South Ari Atoll marine protected area in the Maldives

Abstract

The South Ari atoll Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) in the Maldives, is a long strip of water spanning 42km2, designated in 2009 as a measure to protect its year-round aggregation of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and ensure the sustainability of the local ecotourism that offers the opportunity to swim with this iconic species. However, since its creation neither management plan nor enforcement measures have been implemented. Likely as a consequence, 79% of SAMPA resident whale sharks show signs of injuries mainly due to boat strikes, while unregulated activities and overcrowding at encounters threaten the safety of swimmers and negatively affect visitors’ satisfaction. A management plan is therefore urgently needed for regulating whale shark activities in SAMPA. This study explored existing regulations and new technologies that could be implemented to manage, monitor and enforce SAMPA. In this context, combining a zonation system with an alternate access day system and a licensing system of tour operators would enable a limit on the number of vessels visiting the MPA at the same time, and subsequently reduce the risk of injuries for both whale sharks and swimmers. Mandatory 10-knot vessel speed limits also appear essential for significantly reducing the risk of boat strikes on whale sharks. Furthermore, modern technologies such as GPS tracker devices and drones could be used by rangers to monitor vessel speed compliance and perform aerial surveillance respectively. Finally, close cooperation between all stakeholders, as well as education of operators and visitors, is crucial to foster self-enforcement. The present study primarily focused on informing managers and stakeholders of potential measures to be defined in the future management plan for SAMPA. However, measures outlined are also replicable in any other MPA facing similar issues in the Maldives and beyond.