The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy has announced mandatory registration for all vessels entering the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) as part of a strategic effort to enhance environmental conservation and oversight.

These new regulations, implemented under the 2025 Management Plan, introduce several stringent requirements for maritime activities within the zone. Effective June 30, all vessels operating in SAMPA must be equipped with propeller guards. Furthermore, a maximum speed limit of 10 knots has been established for the area, and vessels smaller than 10 feet in length are now strictly prohibited from entry.

In addition to vessel requirements, the Ministry has introduced higher standards for tour guides. According to Muhsina Abdul Rahman, Director of Protected Areas, guides must now pass a specialized management plan examination with a minimum score of 75%. Additionally, guides are required to hold Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response certifications, and are limited to a maximum ratio of one guide per six tourists during whale shark encounters.

SAMPA is a critical habitat where whale sharks are sighted year-round. Recent data indicates over 8,000 sightings and the identification of 723 individual whale sharks in the region. The Ministry emphasized that these measures are essential to ensure the long-term survival of these delicate marine species for future generations.