The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered an immediate halt to the feeding of rays and skates across the Maldives, citing concerns about its impact on the species and potential safety risks.
In a statement released yesterday, the EPA highlighted an increasing trend of feeding these marine animals, which could alter their natural behavior and pose environmental challenges. As rays and skates are protected under the Protected Species Regulation, feeding them is prohibited, along with other harmful activities.
The EPA warned that feeding rays, while offering a unique experience for locals and tourists, could attract sharks to feeding areas, increasing the likelihood of dangerous encounters. Reports of injuries to snorkelers and divers near such locations have also risen.
“It is crucial that all interactions with protected species are conducted in ways that ensure human safety, sustainability, and environmental preservation,” the EPA emphasized in its statement.
The agency further cautioned that violations of the regulation and guidelines will result in legal action.
