Protected Marine Species of Maldives

Maldives have a variety of amazing marine species. They contribute to the country’s rich marine biodiversity. Unfortunately, many species face various threats from human activity and are in need of protection.

Listed are the marine protected species in the Maldives:

1. Marine Turtles

People eat turtle meat and eggs and their oils are used in the cosmetic industry and their shells are used for combs. Tortoiseshell has been used to decorate jewelry and other objects. Moreover many turtles drown accidentally because they get entangled in nets. Bits of plastic are often mistaken for their favorite food, jellyfishes, and once swallowed they block the breathing and digestive passages.

2. Black Corals - Since 1 January 1995

Black coral is commonly used as a semi-precious stone for making jewelry and other handicrafts. The branches of the coral take a high sheen when polished.

3. Conch (triton) Shells - Since 15 May 1993

Conch meat is used mainly for consumption but is also used as fishing bait. A by-product of the meat trade are conch shells, which are used for jewelry or sold as curios.

4. Whale Sharks - Since 24 June 1995

Sharks became endangered because of humans hunting them down and killing them, for their fins. As one shark fin can be sold for up to $100.00! They use the fins in shark fin soup and the fins add no flavour to the soup and only texture. They die a cruel death. Some people do it for sport. They also die due to pollution.

5. Napoleon Wrasse - Since 24 June 1995

Napoleon Wrasse has a very slow breeding rate. Its numbers have declined due to intensive and species-specific removal in the live reef food fish trade; spear fishing at night with SCUBA gear; destructive fishing techniques, including sodium cyanide and dynamite; developing export market for juvenile wrasse for the marine aquarium trade.

6. Dolphins - Since 15 May 1993

Dolphins often get stuck in fishing nets and they may die.  They can’t swim freely when they are stuck in them and they may not be able to come up for air.  Another problem is the fact that many people and different countries will hunt for dolphins as a source of food. Pollution also affects the life of dolphins.

7. Giant Clams - Since 15 May 1993

Giant clams are considered a delicacy and in some places, an aphrodisiac. The large shells of these magnificent creatures are often turned into tacky souvenirs like ash-trays. On the black market, giant clam shells are sold as decorative accouterments. At times large amounts of money were paid for the adductor muscle, which Chinese people believed have aphrodisiac powers.

8. Whales - Since 15 May 1993

Humans have been killing whales since the 12th century; whalers around the world have killed thousands of whales. Other threats to whales are toxins, oil spills, diseases, and garbage in the oceans.

9. Lobsters (Berried female lobsters and those less than 25cm in total length) - Since 15 May 1993

Fresh lobster became a luxury food and a tourist attraction for the Maritime Provinces and a luxury export to Europe and Japan where it is especially expensive.