The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered a temporary suspension of all major coastal development activities until June 10.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the EPA said the measure was being taken to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing mass coral bleaching event.

"We are suspending all major coastal development activities that would further stress coral reef ecosystems, effective immediately until the 10th of June, 2024," the agency stated.

According to the EPA, the bleaching window for the Maldives in 2024 is projected to be from March until the end of June, peaking from early May until early June.

The agency said that it is necessary to take several actions to minimize further anthropogenic stress on coral reefs during that period.

Measures to be taken until June 10

1. Suspension of all coastal development activities that directly or indirectly impact coral reef ecosystems as stated under the EIA permits and Dredging and Reclamation permits.
2. Suspend or avoid all major coastal development activities conducted with heavy machinery, including but not limited to dredging, reclamation, beach nourishment, sand pumping and installation of pipelines and cables on the reef.
3. Adjust the work schedules for all current coastal zone development projects and new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) applications to carry out the above-stated activities only after June 2024.

The EPA said minimizing cumulative stressors and management actions can help reefs cope with or recover from coral bleaching events and build resilience against future disturbances related to climate change.

The Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) has also advised the government to temporarily suspend all activities that stress the reefs.