Over the years, the Maldives were
ranked first in the list of aficionados
of the ocean. Strict action measures
are taken to protect the well-kept
secret of Maldives. To prevent the
exploitation of marine resources
treasure of the country, in 1995
marine protected areas came into
force.
It protects the nature reserve of
Maldives of excessive fishing, garbage
and extraction of coral. Purchase
and sale of tortoise shells and
products made from turtle shells
are illegal in the Maldives and
helps protect this endangered species
from extinction.
On June 5, 1995, fifteen marine
protected areas were created to
shelter marine life from the extraction
of coral, anchor damage and other
hazardous activities. Marine protected
areas were established when there
were sharp declines in shark fish
because of more shark fines. Today,
there are fewer numbers of fish.
The Government of Maldives attempts
to protect the diving industry and
nature reserve to get rid of overfishing.
Several divers reach Maldives for
scuba diving and underwater photography.
And catch some fish that are taken
to tanks and cause a decline in
the number of marine species. There
were fifteen protected areas since
June 1995 and now it has increased
to 25 marine protected areas. Ten
other protected sites are included
in the list of protected marine
areas in the Maldives since 1999.
