In front of the island of Hani Faru a small bay, locally known as Vandhumaafaru Adi, was declared a marine protected area on the 6th of June 2009. During the south west (Hulhagu) monsoon the southern section of the Hanifaru reef, adjacent to the Hanifaruhuraa sand bank is a feeding site for Whale sharks and Manta rays. These animals aggregate in this small channel to feed on zooplankton (e.g. copepods) that become trapped in huge densities. Hani Faru is biologically unique and critically important to the long term sustainable management of these mega fauna in Baa atoll, the Maldives and globally.
Videos from Aqua Dreams Imaging - Click image to play the video
Videos from Save our Seas Foundation and National Geographic - Click image to play the video
