Corals are an integral part of our planet's ecosystem, and their protection is critical. We learned about these remarkable creatures from our on-island marine biologist, who taught us the necessary measures to safeguard them. By taking action towards protecting corals, we can help preserve the delicate balance of our ocean's biodiversity.
What are corals? What are they made of?
It's important to understand that corals are not plants, but tiny sac-like animals with tentacles called polyps. Despite being stationary, they are highly complex organisms that often form dense colonies with shared DNA.
It's worth noting that the corals we typically encounter are stony corals, which produce an exterior skeleton made of calcium carbonate, as hard as stone.
Why are coral reefs important?
Coral reefs play a crucial role in buffering climate change and building beaches. Corals, with their stunning and shiny appearance, are not only a sight to behold but are also essential for the survival of many marine organisms. It is important that we do not take dead corals or shells from the ocean to ensure these vital organisms can continue to thrive, as a strong reef also protects shorelines from high waves during storms, erosion and flooding.
What is the biggest threat to our reefs and their ecosystem?
Maldivian coral reefs are in dire need of protection due to several factors that threaten their existence. Global bleaching events, best known as El Nino, are a great threat and are making our reefs here to be one of the most vulnerable in the world.
Apart from global warming, threats like nutrient pollution can dangerously increase algal growth suffocating the reefs along with changes in the overall ecosystem, that leaves corals fighting for survival as corals, coral reef residents such as fish and crustaceans and other microorganisms surrounding them are depending on each other to thrive.
What can we do to protect our house reef?
One of the ways we can reduce ocean impact is by reducing plastic pollution and recycling as much as possible. While some resorts still use plastic water bottles, Intercontinental Maldives uses reusable glass bottles and make sure any waste is properly kept and discarded.
For any guests, the use of reef-safe sunscreen is a great help. Sunscreen is one of the products that causes nutrient pollution. Reef-safe sunscreen lacks toxic chemicals that can harm coral reefs, and it is also safe for your skin and better for your health.
Besides that, most importantly for any swimmer, snorkeller or diver, don’t touch anything, don’t take anything from the ocean (except it doesn’t belong there) and don’t leave anything behind. Please don’t stand on corals – even if they look and seem like stone.
Can you tell us about coral plantation and restoration process?
One effective way to contribute to the preservation of coral reefs is by participating in coral reef restoration programs. Here we use a technique that involves cultivating corals that reproduce asexually by attaching small coral pieces to rope nurseries. Smaller corals have higher growth rates and can become strong, resilient corals within two years.
Once the corals have matured and become resilient, they are removed from the rope and planted back onto dead reefs. This helps to bring back the vibrant colors and life to the reef.
Are there any activities for guests to participate in and support coral plantation and restoration?
At Intercontinental Maldives, guests can participate in our coral reef restoration program. By sponsoring a coralline, guests can help us with an essential step towards securing the reef that surrounds our island for a long time to come.
While issues with coral reefs cannot be solved immediately, working together can make a huge difference.
