Instructions for Diving in Maldives

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letsgomaldives

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Scuba Instructor
Messages
16
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Location
Maldives
# of dives
500 - 999
Maldives - A treasure trove of marine life.
Maldives has earned itself the reputation of being one of the best diving destinations due to the abundance of various species of fishes and beautiful aquatic plants. Hundreds of diving sites lie undiscovered around the beautiful atolls of the Maldives .

The best of the diving sites are around the reefs of the atolls, which have complex formations. The circular reefs enclose a lagoon, shallow enough to see down to the ocean bed. The irregular and submerged reefs also known as ‘Thilas are the best dive sites. Located in the middle of the channel, these Thilas rise to about 10 meters of the surface from the atoll floor.

Marine life
An underwater city at its best, the ocean around Maldives has about 70 different species of colourful coral reefs. More than 700 species of fishes and other aqua marine life form the populace here. Mantas, Leaf Fish, Nudibranchs, Clown Triggerfish, Saddled Putter fish and graceful grey reef sharks greet you as you descend down the waters to the depth of the Ocean.

Resorts have been opened in the atolls around Male, and diving is permitted only in these resorts. Apart from snorkeling, wreck dives and night dives are popular activities. Diving and Snorkeling facilities are available in all resorts.

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Prohibition on Catching and Export
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.
 
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