Coral Propagation Project

In 1998, warmer than normal oceanic waters caused by an exceptionally strong El Nino event bleached corals on a large portion of Maldivian reefs. As a result many corals died and coral restoration projects have become a beneficial tool for cultivating corals and nurturing the reefs back to health. The coral propagation project at Four Seasons Resort Maldives, run in conjunction with Seamarc, a Male based environmental and marine consulting company; aims to help return the Maldivian reefs back to their pre-1998 bleaching conditions. Various techniques are employed to accomplish these goals including using reef ball artificial reef structures, metal frames to grow out coral fragments, coral transplants, and possibly creating electrified reefs to facilitate the regeneration and protection of newly propagated corals. The artificial reefs created by these techniques are then used as a base for transplanting propagated corals onto and quickly attract a multitude of reef plants and animals, creating new coral gardens.

Marine Fish Breeding Laboratory

Around the world there is a growing demand for tropical marine fish for the aquarium pet trade. The majority of these fish are captured from the wild, putting pressure on the populations and potentially leading to the depletion of some of the more popular species (e.g. Anemonefish). In places, unscrupulous collectors use non-selective techniques such as cyanide or bleach to capture fish, which adversely impacts the overall health of coral reefs. However, some species of marine fish can be bred in captivity and therefore provide an alternative source for the pet trade demand.

This project, managed by Seamarc, successfully operates a breeding program for Anemonefish and a few other species based at the Landaa Giravaaru resort, in which the guests have the opportunity to observe the workings of a marine laboratory. While a very small proportion of the reared fish can be released by the guests onto the resorts house reef into breed host anemones, the majority are given to a local island where they are grown out to a marketable size, at which point they can be sold into the aquarium trade, thus generating an alternative source of income for this island.

Endemic Maldivian Anemonefish

Resident Marine Biologist

Each Four Seasons Resort in the Maldives has a number of resident Marine Biologists to promote environmental awareness and understanding of the marine life to both guests and staff. Their main duties include; conducting daily escorted snorkelling or diving trips with the guests to guide them through the myriad of different species which can be encountered, and presenting educational and informative marine lectures on a wide variety of topics- from the evolution of the Maldivian Atolls to sharks and rays.

Sea Turtle Breeding Project

In the Maldives it is possible to see five of the world's seven sea turtle species, although only the Hawksbill and Green Turtles are regularly seen. Both are year round residents which nest on our coral sand beaches, the females mate at sea and then crawl up the beaches at night to dig a nest in the sand, into which they deposit about 100 ping pong ball sized eggs. Two months later the tiny hatchlings emerge from the nest, crawl down to the shore and begin their long life at sea.

At Landaa Giraavaru long before humans arrived sea turtles have been hauling themselves upon its beautiful beaches to breed. The Four Seasons is committed to conserving these ancient reptiles and has implemented a number of measures to ensure that they may continue to nest here, unimpeded for many more years to come.

The resorts lighting is positioned sensitively so that it does not disturb the nesting and hatchling turtles and the beaches are kept clear of any potential turtle obstacles during the night. We keep a close check on the breeding females and their nests so it's possible for you to join our marine biologists at night when they patrol the beach for nesting females and hatchlings. This is an amazing experience and one that enables you to see up close for yourself these charismatic marine animals. The purpose of these patrols is to monitor the health and number of hatchlings, identify the returning nesting females and excavate the empty nests to check hatching percentages. All our data is then passed onto turtle researchers who are working to preserve these globally threatened species.

Apprenticeship Scheme

It is important that marine conservation awareness is promoted, understood and appreciated by all at the resorts. To facilitate this all new apprentice staff, regardless of position undertake a basic course in environmental issues and responsible conservation practices. Those staff involved directly with the marine environment, such as the dive and recreation team, benefit from a more detailed marine biology educational course. This generates a responsible and conscientious attitude leading to a more protected marine environment and an improved experience for all concerned.