2 manta ray spots in Baa Atoll protected
Meanwhile, two other areas in the B. Atoll were also declared protected on November 2.
Environment ministry has decided to declare two bays in the B. Atoll as protected areas.
The ministry has declared the two sites as protected areas and gazetted two notices on Thursday.
The two protected areas are:
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B. Nelivaru
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B. Huraafaru
B. Nelivaru
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The area where the manta rays meets is located northeast of B. Kunfunadhoo, adjacent to B. Maalhos
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The site has been identified as an important area for manta ray foraging and breeding; One of the most special features is that there is a cleaning station used by manta rays
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Plankton accumulate and fish have been recorded in the area; by 2020, 105 manta rays have been found 119 times
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The protected area covers an area of 665 hectares
B. Huraafaru:
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This is located north of the B. Hanifaru UNESCO biosphere reserve
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This place is also special, as it has a large population of manta rays; The area is important for the manta rays to find food and reproduce
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Plankton accumulations and manta rays have been recorded to accumulate in this area; As of 2020, 436 manta rays have been seen 1,239 times
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The largest protected area is 639 hectares
Meanwhile, two other areas in the B. Atoll were also declared protected on November 2.
