Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday announced its decision to protect all types of rays in the ocean, starting from Thursday.

At a press conference held to give information regarding the events planned to mark World Environment Day, EPA's Director General Ibrhahim Naim said that the agency was finalising the documentation needed to implement its decision. It would be illegal to capture, keep or harm any type of ray in the Maldives once the rule had been made, he said.

"Rays have gotten so rare now that we fear its extinction, when it earns a lot of profit in tourism," he said.

Informing that there are 18 types of rays living in the Maldivian seas now, Naim predicted that this step taken by EPA may diversify and increase the number. He also advised the people to refrain from capturing or harming any type of ray.