Endangered coral reefs of Maldives are well on the road to recovery. Hard work and initiative are starting to show results. Amongst these coral transplantation plays a major role; read on to discover.
Astounding Damage that is now being reversed
A few years back the El Niño effect caused a spike in water temperatures around the gorgeous coral reef atolls of Maldives. This resulted in almost one third of the archipelagos coral reefs to suffer bleaching and death. Today, however, the nation has managed to reverse this effect by nursing coral reefs back to life. In 2004 scientists watched spellbound as corals on artificial reefs spawned and proceeded to reproduce under the light of the moon.
Nurturing the Reefs has more than an Economic Interest
The Maldives relies on its famous coral reefs for one of its main economies – tourism. Each year hundreds of holidaymakers flock to the islands in order to enjoy the tropical lures of swimming in warm waters, diving and snorkelling amongst coral beds and chilling on white sand beaches. The coral reefs are needed for tourism however sustainability of the reefs is of paramount importance for the survival of the entire archipelago and its small islands in danger of being swallowed up by the ocean.
Resorts Lend a Helping Hand
Many luxury resorts in Maldives have chosen to follow eco-tourism and reef regeneration programmes. Places like Baros Maldives have on-site marine biologists at the Marine Centre educating guests on the importance of coral conservation. Maldives lets you choose the best Indian Ocean resort without a doubt, but you should also choose one that practises eco-tourism to truly understand marine life and the oceans’ role in the lives of Maldivians.
What are Coral Nurseries?
You will stumble upon these at many marine centres or resorts offering eco-tourism. These are electrified steel cones submerged at depths of about 20 feet to help regenerate coral growth. Developed by German architect Wolf Hilbertz the cones attract baby corals that once latched on proceed to regenerate.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
