Restoring Coral on Angaga
2016-11-08 14:32:45
Creating a structure for coral lines
About Coral Lines
At
SUB AQUA DiveCenter Angaga we are rehabilitating the reef by nursing corals on lines. This is a method proving successful on other Maldive resort islands such as
Gili Lankanfushi.
Every rope is initially planted with small, living coral fragments. These corals are nursed and monitored regularly in the lagoon and after one year, we hope to safely transplant the ropes to Angaga's house reef. It is expected that the corals will grow stronger and bigger to improve the overall health of the reef.
This project is still in the early stages but we will update you regularly with progress and results.
Why restore the corals in Maldives?
There are many threats to coral reefs today. Over-fishing, pollution and climate change are all having an effect.
Since records began in 1950, the world has endured
24 official El Niño events, the last one being 2015/16. This causes the water temperatures to rise and coral reefs to be affected.
Coral bleaching for example occurs when corals are stressed by conditions such as high water temperatures. This year, the corals in Maldives did not escape.
Of course this is not the first time, and the corals of Maldives have recovered before so they will recover again. However El Niño events are increasing in severity and frequency and with coral reefs taking 10-15 years to recover, it is hoped the coral line project will keep the corals alive and healthy in Maldives for longer.
These reefs are intrinsically linked to the survival of the people and the Islands of Maldives. Individuals and businesses are reliant on the fisheries and tourism that the coral reefs provide and sustain. In essence, no coral reefs means no Maldives.
Nature can take its course or we can do something to help protect the reef against the current threats faced. With the coral line project, we have chosen the latter.
Click on the photos below to enlarge and see SUB AQUA DiveCenter's dive team on Angaga working hard to set up the island's first coral nursery.

Creating coral lines

Coral nursery

Close up coral lines

Healthy coral for growth

Building coral nursery

Growing coral