Malé, Maldives
In a landmark decision, the President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has announced the official protection of whale sharks in the Maldives. The announcement, made by the President's Office on Tuesday, represents a significant step in the conservation of this majestic species and its critical marine ecosystem.
The decision was reached following a meeting convened with the Cabinet of Ministers, during which the declaration of whale sharks as a protected species under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act was discussed.
This move marks a transition from the previous designation under the Fisheries Act and signifies the government's commitment to safeguarding these magnificent creatures.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had previously classified whale sharks as an endangered species on its red list in July 2016, emphasizing the urgency of conservation efforts.
The decision to extend protection under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act was based on a comprehensive paper presented during the cabinet meeting.
The paper highlighted the fact that neither the Maldivian fishing industry nor fishing industries worldwide considered whale sharks a viable fishery species. It also emphasized the unique conservation challenges faced by the Maldives in protecting whale sharks and their ecosystems.
By declaring whale sharks a protected species under this act, the Maldivian government aims to create a robust framework for the conservation and management of these gentle giants. Such a move will not only safeguard the habitat of the species but also address conservation obstacles that have been hindering their preservation.
The paper presented to the Cabinet of Ministers also pointed out the prospective environmental, social, and economic benefits of this decision. It underlined the critical role of whale sharks in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem and how protecting them could lead to long-term sustainability.
This announcement aligns with global efforts to protect endangered species and highlights the Maldives' dedication to preserving its unique and diverse marine environment. The decision to protect whale sharks under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act is a testament to the country's commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and will undoubtedly have far-reaching positive effects on the region's ecosystem and its ecological balance.
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