The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fined Soneva Fushi Resort MVR 448,375 for the illegal entry of its employees and guests into the protected Nelivaru Bay area.

According to the EPA, the incident occurred on December 18 last year, when Soneva Fushi employees entered Nelivaru Bay with tourists without obtaining permission from the Biosphere Reserve Office.

An EPA investigation launched following reports of the breach found that a group of 10 individuals, including resort staff and tourists, had entered the area after 6 PM, violating protected area regulations.

The EPA stated that the group engaged in prohibited activities, including lighting the area at night, making noise that disturbed wildlife.

Despite instructions from Biosphere Reserve officers to vacate the site, the Soneva Fushi employees reportedly refused to leave.

As a result, the EPA imposed the fine under the Environmental Protection and Conservation Act and ordered Soneva Fushi Resort to settle the payment within 30 days from April 23.

The EPA has previously fined individuals and entities for unauthorized activities in protected areas.

Nelivaru Bay, located northeast of B. Kunfunadhoo, is a critical habitat for manta rays, attracting them due to high concentrations of plankton.

Similar to Hanifaru Bay, it serves as an important feeding and breeding ground, featuring a 'cleaning station' frequently used by manta rays.