Endemic to the Maldives, they thrive in almost all reefs. They could very well be the most photographed fish around. Even so observing them is an obsessive thing.  The relationship among their family, the mutualism with its host anemone and many other aspects of their behaviour.

Known as Vandhumaafaru-adi to the local community, Hanifaru is a bay like lagoon located in Baa Atoll (a Northern Atoll in Maldives). During the south-west monsoon huge groups of Manta Rays congregate at this spot during times of plankton accumulation. Mantas could be found here in over a hundred at times and they are often joined by Whale Sharks. This is indeed a spectacular site to see. The south-west monsoon is from April to November.

Years ago locals used to visit here to catch Whale Sharks. But with the rise of diving tourism and the Whale Shark getting a protected status by law this has stopped. Divers have been visiting this site since the 90s and seeing the significance of this place started to voice out to protect the place. On the occasion of World Ocean Day and World Environment Day of 2009 the government stepped up and declared Baa Atoll Hanifaru, Angafaru and Alif Dhaalu Atoll Maamigili as Marine Protected Areas.

Adh. Maamigili is located in South Ari Ari Atoll. In fact it’s the southernmost tip of the atoll. The whole of the area is frequented by Whale Sharks. Local experts state that it is possible to see Whale Sharks in Ari Atoll 365 days a year. The only times they don’t see is when the sea gets too rough and it is difficult to ride around on a boat.

These sites being declared as Marine Protected Areas does offer a bit of a piece of mind but more needs to be done to ensure that it just not stay as a place that is protected on paper. The need to be monitored and research should be done in a responsible way. Divers and snorkelers should follow a code of conduct that ensures that ensures the normal behavior of Manta Rays and Whale Sharks is there.  Some dive operators are already following such guidelines.

Click here to read the news article about the protection of the sites.

To read about Bluepeaces efforts to protect Hanifaru click here.