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A ban has been imposed on Fishing and Collecting Turtles, Napoleon Wrasse, Whale, Whale Shark, Dolphin, Berried and small lobster, Giant Clam, Conch and Black Coral. Prohibition on Export: Export of the following items in any form Souvenirs or product for commercial use - is banned Putter fish, Turtle, Skate and Ray, Eel, Bigeye Scad under 15 cms (6 ins), Bait fish used in tuna fishery, Parrotfish, Whale, Dolphin, lobster, Black Coral, All Stony Coral, Triton Shell and Trochus Shell Pearl Oyster. | ||||
Fish Feeding | ||||
Feeding Fishes might seem like a good ruse to attract the fishes in order to observe them closely or just to have fun. But it is causing harm to the fishes, and they have responded by changing their behaviour towards humans in general. In addition, what is being fed varies a lot from their usual diet, causing digestive problems and even death. Groupers and Eels, once peaceful have become aggressive predators. In areas, where fish feeding has been continued over the years, cases of divers being seriously attacked by fishes are not uncommon. Often, it is the feeders themselves who have been attacked by sharks. Once, a great attraction in the Maldives , Shark feeding has fortunately been totally stopped now. | ||||
Playing with the fish | ||||
In order to closely observe the behaviour of fishes and other life forms, the right buoyancy has to be maintained. Breathing slowly and moving towards the creature slowly, bit by bit, helps you to get near it without scaring it. Holding or seizing fishes, or stroking them for just a good photograph or even as a friendly gesture is not a great idea. Most fishes have a very fine layer of mucus covering their skins or scales, protecting them from parasites. Touching them or even stroking them gently damages this layer and cause them pain. Dragging them out of their hiding positions can cause impact lesions on their internal organs. |