EPA warns action for stingray feeding

Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday warned action for feeding rays and urged resorts, guesthouses and tour operators to refrain from such harmful practices.

In a series of tweets, EPA said all species of rays are listed as protected species under the local environment protection laws and regulations. Feeding or handling any species of rays is a violation under the regulations and action will be taken against those who continue to partake in these activities, the agency added. 

"Stingray feeding, although a popular tourism activity, is linked to various negative impacts to stingray health, behaviour and ecology, such as the development of shoaling behaviour, altered feeding habits & skin abrasions from handling that compromise their immune system," one of the tweets read.

"We are extremely concerned about the effects of consistently high levels of feeding and visitation upon the stingray populations across the Maldives, and an urgent need has been identified for long term monitoring and phasing out of the practice."

EPA urged all tourist establishments to create an atmosphere for visitors to safely interact with wildlife in their natural environment.