[D]uring October, 
we successfully transplanted a total of 30 new coral frames into the lagoon at Kuda Huraa. A total of 97 frames were photographed around the island, checked for missing name tags, cleaned of any algae and correctly mapped with our GPS system.
And inspired by the Yin Yang structure at Landaa Giraavaru, we have started our very own project to position some coral frames in the shape of a turtle. The water in Kuda Huraa’s lagoon is only 1.5m deep, so we hope that within the next two years the turtle shape will become more defined, and should be visible by our guests as they arrive via seaplane.
Coral Frames – making the turtle reef here in Kuda Huraa’s lagoon
[A]t Landaa Giraavaru 
we have been busy adding a total of 26 coral frames to make an underwater ‘path’ extending from our Yin Yang coral feature to the bar area (using coral species Pocillopora, Montipora and Acropora).
The Yin Yang was first started way back in 2005 (after the SE Asian tsunami) consisting mostly of translocated corals from around the island. Coral frames were soon incorporated into the design, and more were transplanted in 2011 (using mainly cylindrical Porites species of coral). The whole structure is regularly monitored and maintained.
As well as the Yin Yang, we also have a ‘Moon’ shape at the staff beach, where we monitored and photographed a total of 112 coral frames this month. The Moon contains a mix of different frames, with the oldest ones from 2010 shaping the outer contour and the most recent ones in the interior of the shape (transplanted just this month).
Coral frames at our ‘Moon’ reef, Landaa Giraavaru (approximately 3yrs old)
[T]his month we have also started re-locating some existing coral frames in the dive site area, firstly to create more space for beginner training and secondly to create a ‘path’ for divers to follow the surface safety line more clearly. We used a flotation ‘air lift bag’ to carry the weight of the frames to help us manoeuvre them to their new positions. And we were ably assisted in the procedure by three of the dive school apprentices – Shafeeq, Azeem and Muaz – thanks, guys !
 |  |
