The Coral Project
Best Dives Maldives team in Fushifaru have initiated a coral propagation project by planting coral fragments in several frames and one distinctly manta-shaped frame in the lagoon. The team continue to plant, monitor and clean frames to ensure the success of the project. Both certified divers and snorkellers can visit the site by joining a dive excursion or the coral restoration snorkelling tour.
The coral reefs of the Maldives are in constant threat due to extreme weather condition and careless human activities underwater. An active reef restoration project will help in countering the damage on the coral reefs. A coral is an animal that requires clean, clear warm water, and food in the form of microscopic algae found in tropical waters in order to survive. It is possible to replant broken corals that can be found underwater or rolling around the sand to create a new coral garden.
Best Dives has been using stone pile and coral frame methods to replant the coral fragments. The coral is attached by using a cable-tie or a glue in the frames and stone piles and is usually done above water together with some guests on the island. The frames and stone piles will be carried out and placed underwater. By giving the newly planted corals good conditions and ample space to grow there is a huge chance that they will become a mature colony.
The coral regeneration program is a continuing process that requires constant monitoring and experimentation to find out what works best in different types of environment. Each island and each restoration site has its own unique set of circumstances to consider, and trial and error is a part of the process. This project will take a long time before we see substantial growth, Best Dives is committed to follow through what has been started in order to care for and protect the environment.