Browsing Tag

Marine Biology

Sheraton Maldives 🐚 Coral Propagation & Water Bottling Initiatives

Posted on March 9, 2022

My long-planned babymoon in the Maldives was unfortunately cancelled last minute due to a Zika outbreak in the islands, but aside from missing out on those baby blue waters and looking forward to relaxing in island life for a long weekend, I was most looking forward to seeing the re-growth of this resort’s marine ecosystem. Famed for its picturesque underwater scenery, Maldives has been hard hit by climate change in the last 10 years. Ocean warming is the main pressure on the local reef systems. The ocean acts as a carbon sink, absorbing vast quantities of carbon dioxide emitted by GHG’s. Passed its capacity to filter it all out naturally, ocean acidification is the resulting reaction which leads to coral bleaching and ultimately death.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has just witnessed a coral spawning, which is a milestone in the resort’s coral propagation initiative that started in February 2020. To date, over 6,000 coral fragments from 15 different species of corals have been transplanted to their artificial reefs.

These coral colonies were rescued from Gulhi Falhu in 2020 and relocated on coral pyramids at the Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa to give them a second chance to thrive. Now healthy and strong enough to spawn after the relocation, the coral shows how important restoration is for the future of these archipelago’s.

The aim of coral restoration is to ensure a proactive take on transplanting more coral fragments on the frames that will spawn and restore coral reefs around the Maldives once they are mature enough. Coral spawning increases genetic diversity and is a sign that reefs are slowly recovering from previous massive bleaching events.

As one of the largest man-made coral structures in the Maldives, the resort has teamed up with Reefscapers, a coral propagation organization appointed by the Maldivian Government to protect the marine habitat. The program also echoes back to Marriott International’s “Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy” initiative across Asia Pacific, providing first-hand connections with local communities and the environment.

Guests can also get involved and adopt a frame and get involved personally to plant new corals (prices starting at $170 per frame).

As well as their underwater achievements, the resort runs its own ‘water bottling plant initiative’ which is dedicated to removing large amounts of plastic bottles from the resort. This initiative is an important aspect of the property’s commitment to protecting and preserving their environment through day-to-day operations.

The new water bottling facility uses reverse osmosis technology by eliminating the need to transport water from the mainland. This advanced technology utilizes high pressure to clean and purify seawater by driving it through an eco-friendly water filtration system. The water is then mineralized, chilled and bottled in reusable glass containers ready to be enjoyed by guests.

Dedicated to making its operation self-sustainable and preserving the island’s natural environment, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is also removing all disposable plastic straws and stirrers. This particular objective is to reduce landfill waste by 45% and responsibly source its top 10 product purchase categories by 2025.

… I will definitely be visiting in the late summer to see these beautiful reefs for myself.

Uncategorized

Sea Shepherd Launches in the U.A.E.

Posted on January 2, 2018

Talking to Natalie Banks, head of the newly regionalised branch of infamous global activist’s Sea Shepherd, it’s hard not to get as passionate as her when you discuss the plight of the ocean and the issues these eco-warriors face on a daily basis when it comes to marine conservation, but they have officially launched in the U.A.E., as an awareness group, aiming to unite with governmental organisations here to help drive forward the changes needed.

What does Sea Shepherd do exactly

Sea Shepherd is a marine conservation organisation. Established in 1977, Sea Shepherd aims to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of marine life in the world’s ocean in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and marine species. Sea Shepherd has 12 vessels which it uses to get mainly volunteer crew on the high seas to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities and to stop these operations. By safeguarding the biodiversity of delicately balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

What are your plans for the U.A.E.

Sea Shepherd in the United Arab Emirates is currently running two campaigns;

Marine Debris focused on the removal of plastics and litter from beaches as well as growing awareness of the sustainable products available that can replace single-use plastics. Sea Shepherd has a strong relationship with suppliers like Keep-Cup that people can use instead of the traditional take-away coffee cup for example.

Apex Harmony, focused on the awareness of shark conservation and the important role sharks play in keeping oceans healthy.

Sea Shepherd UAE is also working on a dolphin conservation awareness campaign with plans to roll these out to both adults and children in 2018.

What are the current issues facing the region?

One of the biggest issues facing marine conservation globally is the issue of plastic debris. Micro-Plastics are even being found in sea salts and in fish which humans then go on to eat. It is toxic and harmful to both marine life and human beings, with the consumption of plastics being attributed to breathing problems, infertility, cancer and even death.

There is also a disconnect regarding the awareness of the benefits marine animals provide humans. Sharks ensure coral reefs aren’t constantly riddled with algae, whale poop actually has been shown to offset carbon in the atmosphere, making the air humans breathe cleaner and healthier.

How can we get involved if we want to?

Sea Shepherd UAE aims to build connections between residents and the local marine life. The organisation is purely volunteer based and anyone with a passion for marine conservation can join. Those interested can send an expression of interest to uaeadmin@seashepherdglobal.org and they can keep up to date with our activities by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Sea Shepherd UAE.

I’m living in the gorgeous merchandise I picked up at RIPE market, like the Gypsea one piece and hoodie with their famous skull and harpoon logo on it, and I love it when others recognise the effort and high five you mid walk. Get involved people.

Adventure travel

Velassaru Maldives – A Tropical Paradise

Posted on December 22, 2016

Having never been to the Maldives before, I was completely convinced (thanks to instagram) that it was purely a honeymoon destination, which saw only couples really being able to enjoy its offerings, so hopping onto a plane to check it out with Adonis Marketing, I was slightly dubious about whether or not i’d be a little lonely on a small island. I’m not one for being able to sit still all day long, an hour here or there by the pool definitely, or seashell hunting along the shoreline, for sure, but if you tell me we’re here to ‘switch off’… well I just can’t.

We landed in Male, (which is basically an airport on the sea) and jumped on a waiting yacht to an island only 20 mins from the airport itself. We passed water villa upon water villa on each coast of the island’s resorts, all looking like they just leapt off a postcard. Each atoll in the 1000+ Maldivian archipelago has a variety of luxury resorts (approx 300 in total) and each of them surrounded by bluer than blue waters (no camera truly does it justice) with a mixture of over-the water and beachfront villas.

Landing at Velassaru, we’re welcomed by what felt like the whole crew. Ever-so-friendly staff were waiting to help us to our villas so that we could rest after the trip. As it was only 4 hours though, I decided to remain awake and jump in the pool to freshen up. Straight off the bedroom was my very own piece of paradise. Infinity in style and plunge in depth, the pool was the perfect temperature so I made myself at home. The moody skies juxtaposed with the turquoise tiles reminded me so much of Thailand at first, but there’s something totally unique about it here, a smell in the breeze that just feels clean, calming almost.

We headed straight for their ‘Chill Bar’ to grab some mezze after our refresh, readying us for the much needed spa session to come. After an hour long Swedish escape, to which I don’t mind admitting I totally fell asleep in – which is a massive accomplishment as I’m never that relaxed, even during a massage. We then spent an hour savouring the indefinable pool to sea perspectives from their relaxation deck.

I spoke with Sri my spa therapist and asked her why she chose the Maldives. “There’s a lot of opportunity here for those who are looking to learn from the best and that’s what I always wanted… to keep learning and bettering my ability.”

So I’ll admit… there’s definitely something to this off-switch.

The spa was followed by my first dip in the ocean, which was pleasantly bearable I have to say, I was however a bit put off about the sand… I assumed looking at all the images of these pristine white beaches that the sand would be baby soft, but in fact, it’s ground down corals so there’s a little sharpness underfoot. Either way, the completely glass clear waters made it difficult to leave, what with sturgeons and parrot fish happily basking in the shallows nearby. No sharks or manta rays spotted yet but eagle rays and turtles often make an appearance under the water villas.

Post- post downtime, we headed out onto the sand to experience the typical Maldivian style dinners on the beach. Executive Chef Costa Exprua, joined us to talk about his original flavour for French and Californian cuisines, but having had a hand in each of the menu’s across the variety of restaurants on the resort, Indo-Asian cuisine has become more of his forte since moving to the island. Featuring a stand-alone, open-air Tepanaki suite, it’s really easy to see why these islands make such good instagram fodder.

What I loved most about my first trip to this tropical haven is that I’ve realized I’m 100% content (and haven’t forgotten how) to just be still and as a yogi, get back to my breathing. I did mention about a wake-surf plate for their wake-board only boat but we’ll see when I return… and I will!

Top tips for those looking to visit:
– Wake early for some sunrise yoga looking out across the archipelago
– Enjoy the local fish dishes
– Put your phone down, at least for a little bit – the sea life is everywhere under your feet and the clouds are dancing just as brilliantly above your head.