Maldives Regenerates its Corals

Vabbinfaru, Maldives – After years of scientific research, scientists watched astoundingly under the full moon as they witnessed reproducing corals eject pink-orange eggs and copious amounts of sperm, which confirms that the Maldives’ endangered reefs are on its way to regeneration.

“That was the first time in the history of the Maldives that we had discovered coral spawning! It went into our hearts.”, stated by marine biologist, Azeez Hakim, who was one of the watchers that evening. Twelve years ago, a spike in the water temperature, brought about by the El Nino phenomenon, had nearly killed 2/3 of the Maldives coral reefs. Those scientists had blessed the Maldives with a great gift, it was like saving the island from an upcoming economic downfall.

“If the reef is gone, we are gone”, stated by Hakim.

The researchers have found a way to regenerate those coral reefs by using cone-shaped steel frames which served as nurseries for the corals, passing small electric currents through the metal to form limestones, on which the corals could grow after they had produced their eggs and sperm.

The coral reefs play a very important role in the economy of the Maldives. Aside from its beaches and turquoise waters, those reefs lure the tourists as they exhibit pure, natural, underwater beauty, which is basically the main attraction in scuba diving. The corals also serve as building materials for Maldivian homes. And without the coral reefs, coastal erosion could ravage 1,200 islands lying low in the ocean.

“Before 1998, we never thought that this reef would die. We had always taken for granted that these animals would be there, that this reef would be there forever. El Nino gave us a wake-up call that these thing are not going to be there forever.”, Hakim said.

Today, the world is going through another El Nino crisis, and coral regeneration would play a big part in the marine life and the lives of the Maldivian people.

Kandooma Thila Dive Site

Kandooma Thila Dive Site

One of the most spectacular dive sites in the South Male Atoll, teardrop-shaped Kandooma Thila is known for its impressive underwater scenery and prolific fish life. A quick descend is necessary at Kandooma Thila because of the strong currents. The dive begins among up-currents and dive guides usually set the jumping point a few metres away from the reef. As soon as divers reach shallow water they should deploy the surface balloon and it should be visible at all times until the dive boat locates the divers.

For more information about Kandooma Thila, please visit this information page.

Gangehi Kandu Dive Site

Gangehi Kandu Dive Site

With a drift of more than 2.5 km from the channel’s entrance to the end of the dive at the inside of the Atoll, Gangehi Kandu is known to be one of the longest channel dives in the Ari Atoll. When the current is incoming, the dive begins a bit further out and drifts into the channel. Once inside, you will see the caves and overhangs and a few outcrops away from the reef. The outcrops have interesting features and are covered with attractive hard and soft coral formations. The bottom of the entire channel is sandy making a perfect resting ground for the zebra shark, stingray and white tip reef shark, all of which are commonly found here.

Find out more about Gangehi Kandu at this dive site information page.

Fotteyo Kandu Dive Site

Fotteyo Kandu Dive Site

Many scuba divers consider Fotteyo Kandu as the best dive site in Maldives. It is also included in the top 5 dive sites in the world. During the northeast monsoon season when the currents are incoming, a good variety of fish species gather at the channel’s entrance. These species include the grey reef shark (which patrols the channel mouth), Jacks and Tuna. In the deeper water divers will see schools of midnight and red snappers form huge groups. The wall consists of caves and overhangs which are filled with colourful corals. The best place to make your safety stop is in the middle of the channel entrance. Like many dive sites in the Maldives, a surface balloon is a must at Fotteyo Kandu.

At Fotteyo Kandu, there is a Thila inside the channel with 2 narrow sandy channels on either side. These channels are occupied by the titan triggerfish and are used as a mating ground. Beware of this fish and don’t get close to them if they start to behave strangely, they can be quite aggressive.

Fotteyo Kandu is also known for its early morning hammerhead shark dive. This dive is performed very differently from the day dives at Fotteyo Kandu. Early in the morning, scallop hammerheads rise from deep waters to the shallower depths and divers will be able to get a glimpse of them.

Find out more about Fotteyo Kandu here.

Okobe Thila Dive Site

Okobe Thila

Okobe Thila is found in the North Male Atoll, and is considered to be one of the most uniquely shaped thilas in the area. Comprised of three large coral heads, the abounding marine life includes Eagle Rays, Jacks, Tuna, Napoleon Wrasse and Bannerfish. Given the strength of the current, divers may zigzag from one coral head to the other while observing the fish life. As always, planning for a safety spot and surface balloons are a must.

For more information, diving tips, GPS points and photos of Okobe Thila, visit this Okobe Thila information page.

Maldives Victory Wreck

Maldives Victory Wreck Dive Site

The Maldives Victory Wreck is a gorgeous dive site, but must be approached with precaution. Spanning a length of 110 meters and a depth of 35 meters, divers are advised to plan their dive with an adequate air supply. Plans should also made to allow divers to complete the entire dive safely as well as to return to the mooring lines attached to the buoy. Additional dangers at Maldives Victory Wreck come in the form of sharm jagged seashells and urticating hydroids that surround the dive site.  Jagged fragments of metal protruding from the wreck also present a source of injury for divers. A buoy is present to mark the site of the Maldives Victory Wreck’s mast, to which is attached a descent and ascent line. Divers may use this to swim from the mast to the bow following the superstructure and back to the stern. Classified as an advanced dive site, the Maldives Victory Wreck should be approached with caution, planning and experience.  When careful planning and caution are implemented, Maldives Victory Wreck is an extremely rewarding dive site.

For more information about the Maldives Victory Wreck, visit this dive site information page.

Madivaru Rangali Dive Site

Madivaru Rangali Dive Site

Madivaru derives its unique name from the local language of the Maldives, Madi standing for the word “Ray.” Manta Rays abound in this area during the North East Monsoon, and are a beautiful spectacle to behold. Although there are many cleaning stations along this reef, the point where Manta Rays are most active is halfway along the northern side. With the coral reef sloping down gently from its highest point at 8 meters to the atoll floor at about 30 meters, safety precautions are always a must. With the current being strong at times, safety precaution plans should include safety spots as well as surface balloons.

For more information, maps and diving hints for Rangali Madivaru, visit this Madivaru information page.

Maaya Thila Dive Site

Maaya Thila Dive Site

Maaya Thila is a great dive spot if you want to see schools of Grey Reef Sharks and White Tip Reef Sharks congregate around the coral. These sharks can be seen up to as shallow as 12 meters from the reefs edge. Diving at Maaya Thila is easy when the currents are not strong, and divers can easily circle the thila. Dive guides often bring the divers to view the coral formations in deeper waters in order to view the marine life. When it comes to night diving, Maaya Thila is considered to be one of the best scuba sites in the world. With a line for quick ascent tied to a dive boat, a strobe light is attached to a rope at 5 meters for easy access to the line. During the night, divers can experience swimming close to sharks, while turtles can be found resting inside caves and overhangs. Divers can also observe as Moray Eels and White Tip Sharks hunt for their food, Fusiliers. Other marine life that can be seen at night include Octopus and Stone Fish, which are often found around the top reef.

For more information about Maaya Thila dive site, including GPS points, photos and more diving hints, check out this Maaya Thila information page.

Fish Head Dive Site

Fish Head Dive Site (Musha Mas Mingili Thila)

Fish Head, also known as Musha Mas Mingili Thila, is one of the most famous dive sites in the Maldives. It used to be a shark feeding site until the government declared it a Protected Marine Area and banned shark feeding. The Fish Head dive site is famous for its huge populations of grey reef sharks, napoleon wrasse and white tip reef sharks.  Fish Head simply has an amazing amount of fish life, which is the reason for its name. If the current is not too strong, a complete circle can be made in one dive. A surface balloon is necessary.

For more information about Fish Head dive site, visit the information page.

Cocoa Corner Dive Site

Cocoa Corner Dive Site

Cocoa Corner is a dive site that can be explored in different ways.  With the right current and conditions, it has the best shark show in the entire Male Atoll. Many divers consider crossing from Cocoa Corner to Kandooma Thila.  This can be done by beginning the dive from Cocoa Corner with the right current and, while maintaining a depth of 25 to 29 metres, swimming across the current path while parallel to the edge.  This 40 metre-long landmark provides divers with a natural reference that helps them know if they are in the right position while crossing to Kandooma Thila and this way, they do not risk being taken too far inside the channel.  At Cocoa Corner, divers will see grey reef sharks, both adults and newborn babies, guarding the channel. Aside from sharks divers will also see eagle rays and jacks. By the time divers reach the Thila their bottom time should be running out and the best thing to do is to swim to the top of the Thila and continue diving in shallower waters. A safety balloon is a must and divers should always be prepared to make an open water safety stop.

For more information about Cocoa Corner dive site, visit this information page.

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