The government today gazetted a detailed regulation setting out the standards to be followed when swimming with whale sharks.

The new rules were added to the Protected Species Regulations formed in 2021. They will come into effect on October 11.

According to the rules;

• Should maintain a distance of three meters from the whale shark
• Should not touch or hold the whale shark
• Should keep a distance of at least 20 meters when diving over the whale shark
• Should not feed the whale shark
• Photography using flash is prohibited
• Should not use a light at night to observe the whale shark
• No water sports or diving activities around the whale shark
• Drones should fly 30 meters (98 feet) from the sea level when taking photos or videos of whale shark

In addition, vessels are prohibited from travelling in a way that could harm the whale sharks in areas where they live.

The rule states that only three vessels can move at the same time within the 250-metre contact zone around whale sharks. They are prohibited from travelling at speeds of more than five knots within the zone and must travel slower than two knots within the 50-metre contact zone.

The rules add that a maximum of 12 people can get off each vessel in the contact zone to observe the whale sharks and they should not stay in the water for more than 15 minutes.

Additionally, the new rules explain how to treat an injured or ill whale shark and state the best practices for dealing with whale sharks and their habitats.