Reefscapers Diary 2018

Monthly report updates from our Reefscapers coral biologists at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru.

You may also be interested in our Reefscapers Diaries – and – the public gallery Coral Frame Collection to view photographs of your own sponsored coral frame as part of our Reefscapers coral propagation project.

January 2018

During January, at Landaa Giraavaru we made 33 new coral propagation frames and recycled a further 50 frames, and at Kuda Huraa we made 16 new frames. We continue to line the Water Villa walkways with our small-sized frames, and hope to attract herbivorous grazing fish to the area to control algal growth by extending outwards towards the natural reef. We are siting larger frames along the boat channel at approximately 9m depth, close to large healthy colonies of Acropora species.

A storm at the start of the month displaced and even flipped some of our coral frames, so we righted these frames and verified their GPS mapping coordinates. We also noticed some juvenile Pocillopora coral colonies were showing signs of bleaching (on our frames and the natural reef), although no Drupella snails were seen.

Acropora coral colonies from the reef crest remain our go-to source for new propagation fragments, with new coral growth seen to quickly encrust the frame and cable tie (more successfully than Pocillopora fragments).

New Experiment – ‘Multiple Breaks’
In order to test whether or not fragments with multiple breaks can survive, two small coral frames were created. Photos were taken of each side of the frame, so the fragments can be seen clearly; we hope to gain a better understanding of the survival and growth rates of different coral fragments.

We regularly maintain our coral frames – replacing dead or missing coral fragments, removing any algae, and taking reference photos from each of the 4 sides (to study survival rates and growth patterns, and to email to our coral frame sponsors).

February 2018

During February, we transplanted 17 new coral frames at Kuda Huraa and 35 at Landaa Giraavaru. Many old frames have also been ‘recycled’ (replenished with new coral fragments), and we have been targeting the frames found across our popular snorkelling sites. We have also finished relocating vulnerable frames to a harder rubble substrate to minimise sand accretion and protect the lower bars (with rocks under the feet of some large frames).

During the past 12 months, one of our primary goals has been to diversify the sites where we deploy our coral frames, to increase resilience towards future bleaching events. Some of the variety of locations include:

• “Blue Holes” (5m deep) from sand dredging.
• 25m depths (staff beach).
• Shaded along the Water Villa Pathway, to receive lower levels of direct sunlight.
• “Coral Bommies” (separated from the natural reef by large sand patches), featuring large healthy wild colonies of Acropora and bouldering corals at depths of 9m.

This month at Landaa Giraavaru we also relocated the Blu site frames to form a striking new Turtle shape that can be seen from the air (via aerial drone or arrival by seaplane). We arranged the turtle frames using empty containers and lift bags as flotation devices. The corals in this area are growing very well and there seems to be limited mortality (mainly along the bottom bar, due to sand or predation).

Predation Recovery Experiment

A large colony of Acropora pulchra under attack from Drupella snails was identified and collected from the wild reef. We divided and transplanted the coral fragments onto a single test frame, and plan to take twice-weekly photographs to monitor how individual fragments recover from predation.

Drone Mapping

All current drone photographs for Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru have been successfully mapped with consistent and reproducible Ground Control Points (GCPs) for accurate alignment with future photographs. The image maps will enable detailed comparisons of the marine landscape over time (corals, sand movement, seagrass coverage). For example:
– areas of wild coral coverage (Montipora digitata and Porites cylindrica) on the easterly reef flats can be monitored for future growth or recession,
– the natural movement of sand around our Spa Island has already been revealed (which can help in siting future coral frames). The animation below shows 3 images in sequence from May 2017, Nov 2017 and Feb 2018. 

As part of a project that started early last year, we have been using our aerial drone to photograph overlapping images of the two Four Seasons resorts and the surrounding lagoons. These photographs were then imported, merged and processed in PIX4D mapper, to generate high resolution geo-referenced graphic images (slideshow, below).

March 2018

This month at Landaa Giraavaru, we transplanted 25 new coral propagation frames (and recycled 10 old frames), and at Kuda Huraa we deployed a total of 18 new frames. We have been relocating our coral frames around Landaa’s Water Villa site, to create an unbroken chain of frames to encourage the movement of herbivorous fish to graze and remove any algae. The coral frames here are very healthy due to the plentiful shade from the over-water villas (reduced stress from the sun’s heat/UV rays). We have also been seeing more Acropora species recruits around this area.

The jetty pillar frames have been recycled (with mostly Acropora and some Pocillopora coral fragments) and we will closely monitor them for survival and mortality. Some fish predation has recently been observed in the house reef, so we are trialling transplantation of Acropora (and possibly Pocillopora) coral species to monitor potential predation.

Predation Recovery Test Frame

Last month, a large colony of Acropora pulchra that was being eaten by Drupella snails was transplanted onto a single frame. Fragments with scars were monitored for tissue loss or growth along the scar. In most cases, we observed no change or some overgrowth by algae. If the fragments overcome the initial bleaching, they may be able to overcome the algal growth and begin growing tissue over the scarred area.

NOAA Bleaching Outlook

NOAA has placed the Maldives at Alert Level 1 (from 3 April), with a 60% chance of bleaching in the first week of May due to seasonally warm ocean temperatures. If bleaching does occur as predicted, it will hopefully only last three weeks, and corals should be able to recover as the waters start to cool again. We will be closely monitoring our coral frames during this period, particularly at the Water Villas site where vulnerable frames can be moved into the shade under the board walks at the first sign of bleaching.

Gili Lankanfushi Coral-line Workshop

We recently attended a coral-line workshop, organised by Clare Baranowski and Emma Bell, resident marine biologists from Gili Lankanfushi. In attendance were marine biologists from resorts and projects around the Maldives including Bandos, Atoll Volunteers and Manta Trust. The aim of the workshop was to learn about the process and benefits of the coral-line methodology.

The coral line-method uses rope attached to a frame (frames are 2x3x5m, 5m lines) with coral fragments twisted into the rope at 5cm intervals to support 100 fragments per line. Since the programme started, large colonies have grown and the resultant heavy lines were moved to hang on the edge of the frame. As all the lines are in the same area, they are easily monitored and maintained, to provide stock for fragmenting. Predatory crown of thorns starfish are not able access the suspended corals, and a nearby sand patch prevents Drupella snails from reaching the nursery. Algal growth is removed from the lines simply by shaking them.

Out-planting and Resilience to Bleaching

During the 2016 El Nino event, an impressive 68% of the corals on the Gili lines survived, higher than seen for both local reefs and other coral regeneration projects; the specific reasons for this comparative success remains unclear. The lines are located on the western side of the island at 6m depth on a sandy area exposed to minimal predation. Perhaps the exposure to local currents was a factor, or the high position of the ropes in the water column.

However, despite the success of the coral-lines, out-planting the growing coral colonies has been more challenging. Corals are transplanted to the same depth (using epoxy putty on bare reef-rock substrate), but often suffer from heavy fish predation as the surrounding natural reef is otherwise devoid of living coral. This is where the use of Reefscapers coral frames is more successful, being a single step process with no out-planting, the frames quickly establish to become part of the reef. As the primary goal of any coral propagation programme is to repopulate natural reefs, this is probably the largest downfall with the programme. However, the resilience of the coral-lines to bleaching effects cannot be ignored, so maybe a combination of propagation techniques, using both lines and frames, could yield better long-term results. Practically, lines could provide additional coral nurseries for fragment harvesting, to better withstand future bleaching events.

April 2018

At Landaa Giraavaru, we made a total of 29 new coral frames, monitored 250 frames (repaired, cleaned, photographed) and removed 70 frames from Parrot Reef for recycling (re-transplanting with healthy coral fragments, following bleaching).

Pocillopora coral species has been the primary coral deployed due to its relative abundance. Acropora species are growing well on our frames at the Water Villas site, and colonies have even been observed growing on the jetty columns. We have installed structural bracing to our coral storage tank, allowing larger volumes of corals to be collected and stored for longer periods, aiding our frame recycling efforts.

The seasonally warm ocean temperatures have reached 31°C in the lagoon, increasing the temperatures in our large 3000L aquarium, which cycles fresh water directly from the sea. We have seen increased growth of filamentous algae, mainly at the top of the aquarium where the light is brighter, and we are closely monitoring our corals.

At Kuda Huraa, we transplanted 11 new coral frames and recycled an additional 15 frames. We have also been creating two new frame patterns in the lagoon, to be visible from the air. Our completed Flower site consists of 1 medium and 42 small frames, and our Geometric site is almost finished (to consist of 56 flat and 20 small frames). Once the new frames darken due to coral growth (and algae spreading on the bars), a drone picture will be taken.

This month, we have started to repair and replenish the House Reef site with coral fragments of Acropora, Monitpora digitata and Porites cylindrica, and will be monitoring for predation from corallivores. Whilst diving in pairs, we lifted more than 40 dead frames onto our boat using rope hoists. These frames will be recoated with sand-resin mixture before recycling.

Fish predation continues to be an issue on the house reef. We recently observed a black-spotted pufferfish feeding on the branch tips of multiple Acropora species, although it’s unlikely that this fish species is responsible for the complete consumption of coral fragments we have witnessed on our Christmas tree frame and other parts of the house reef. So far, there are no signs of predation on Montipora and Porites corals, so we will increase their deployment alongside Acropora and Pocillipora species to ensure that some fragments survive predation stress.

This month, we removed over 40 crown of thorns (COT) from the Channel area, mainly from the wild coral colonies. These patches of wild Montipora corals in the lagoon seem to act as a buffer zone for the main channel site in terms of COT and Drupella predation.

Some Acropora coral paling was seen towards the end of April, so we relocated the most affected frames to the shade of the water villa boardwalk. A few fragments are fully bleached, and we will continue to monitor closely during these warmest few weeks of the year.

Signs of pufferfish predation on Acropora tenuis

Our aquarium coral experiments are continuing, and the Acropora plate fragments continue to grow well. On the mixed coral plate, Psammacora abtusangula (the largest specimen) is spreading further, and fragments that are not close to others are growing freely without competition.

Coral plate (April)

May 2018

At Landaa Giraavaru, we transplanted 23 new coral frames and monitored 260 frames across our Parrot Reef, Coral Trail and Water Villa sites (this involved cleaning, photographing and updating QGIS satellite data). Our recycling work of old frames is also continuing at both Parrot Reef and Coral Garden. Very large mature frames are too heavy to relocate, but their coral skeletons provide a valuable habitat for marine life, so we are filling any empty bars with new coral fragments.

We have been developing our Marine Biologist Course for the Four Seasons Apprenticeship Programme, and have expanded the coral propagation component this month. We cover coral reef ecosystems and summarise our Reefscapers coral restoration project. We also outline coral structure and identification, and discuss threats to coral reefs. This is followed by ‘Build A Reef’, where the apprentices get hands-on with our coral biologist, transplanting their own coral frame. Field work involves placing and photographing the new frame out in the lagoon, and updating our coral frame database with the QGIS satellite location and new photos. Apprentices Hulaam and Saaniu have both completed our coral training, and are progressing well at our Marine Discovery Centre.

New coral fragments added to old frames

At Kuda Huraa, we transplanted 12 new coral frames in the lagoon, and removed over 50 dead frames from our House Reef and Green Lagoon sites for recycling. We have observed ‘moderate’ levels of bleaching of Acropora fragments in the Channel this year, with corals in shallower (warmer) waters being most affected, particularly species of A.pulchra and A. digitifera.

We were lucky to see one of the mushroom coral specimens in our aquarium in the act of spawning, as it started to excrete a fluorescent orange slime. We collected a sample and examined what we think are eggs under the microscope.

We have taken some time out this month to help staff at fellow resort ‘Club Med’ with their own Reefscapers programme, after being without an onsite marine biologist for some time. Club Med staff came to visit our Centre at Kuda Huraa, and then we went to visit their current setup. Interestingly, they have many healthy Pocillipora colonies growing on frames out in the lagoon, and in a good location (rocky substrate, strong current, close to the jetty). We visited the reef crest with the new onsite marine biologist, to harvest some Acropora coral fragments for propagation and transplanting onto empty frames.

Bleached coral fragments – Acropora puchra & Acropora digitifera

June 2018

This month, we transplanted 13 new coral frames at Kuda Huraa, and 35 new frames at Landaa Giraavaru (mainly at the Water Villas site). In addition, our intensive recycling efforts have seen 3600 coral fragments added to existing frames at Coral Garden (LG) and a further 3000 fragments at the Channel site (KH).

We completed the geometric pattern at the Water Villas (KH); the old frames had a mixture of species (Montipora digitata, M.foliosa, Heliopora coerulea, Acropora sp.) but we transplanted each new frame with a single species to prevent competition (Acropora tenuis, A. digitifera, A. hyacinthus, A. millipora). We placed 15 frames on the House Reef (KH) to reintroduce Acropora species, although they were heavily predated upon and many fragments soon died. We will continue to try and overcome predation with more Acropora and other species (Pocillipora sp., Porites cylindrica and Montipora digitate).

We are pleased to see that natural recruitment of Acropora species is continuing to take hold around the lagoon, and where colony sizes allow this provides a useful source of new fragments for propagation.

Geometric patterned coral frames in the lagoon

grazed Acropora coral fragment

Is Algal Growth Correlated to Coral Frame Placement?

by Tiana Wu

Algae can be a problem on our coral frames, potentially overgrowing and killing live coral tissue (Jompa and McCook 2003). If frames are isolated from each other and from the natural reef, they are less likely to be grazed upon by algae-eating herbivorous fish so more likely to suffer from excess algal growth (Cramer et al 2017).

Existing coral frame monitoring photographs were selected from Landaa Giraavaru’s water villa area (a site with frames in both orderly rows and in isolated groups). Monitoring photos were assigned a value from 0 to 5 to represent the percentage of algal coverage (0-20-40-60-80-100%, Barott et al 2012), before mapping their locations to prevent bias. All the monitoring photos were assigned algae scores by Tiana herself, to prevent discrepancy between scores. The age of coral frame was also included in the dataset, to analyse coverage over time (0-6-12-18-24 months). The data set was then mapped using QGIS (QGIS Development Team 2018) to generate a map that displays all the frames with their corresponding algae score.

The youngest frames showed the least algal growth as expected but increasing age did not always result in greater algal coverage, suggesting a possible correlation with placement of the coral frame. Frames located at the outer edges of the rows tended to have more algae than frames towards the centre, suggesting coral frame placement might play a role in the accumulation of algae (perhaps the central clustered frames are easier to find and thus more grazed upon). The results are inconclusive and further studies are required.

Experimental Limitations

• a relatively small sample of coral frames.
• algae scores were given by visual estimation (not precisely measured or computerised).
• the quality and clarity of the monitoring photos was variable (taken as they are by different staff under different environmental conditions over periods of several years).

Further Study

• the effects of shade on the growth of algae.
• increased numbers of coral frames, of various ages across multiple locations.

References

• Barott KL, Williams GJ, Vermeij MJA, Harris J, Smith JE, Rohwer FL, Sandin SA.2012. Natural history of coral-algae competition across a gradient of human activity in the Linne Islands. Mar Ecol Prog Ser. 460: 1-12
• Cramer KL, O’Dea A, Clar TR, Zhao J, Norris RD. 2017. Prehistorical and historical declines in Caribbean coral reef accretion rates driven by loss of parrotfish. Ncomms. DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14160
• Jompa J, McCook LJ. 2003. Coral-algal competition: Macroalgae with different properties have different effects on corals. Mar Ecol Prog Ser. 258: 87-95
• Python Software Foundation. 2018. Python Language Reference, version 3.6.5. http://www.python.org
• QGIS Development Team. 2018. QGIS Geographic Information System. Open Source Geospatial Foundation Project. http://qgis.osgeo.org
• Smith JE, Shaw M, Edwards RA, Obura D, Pantos O, Smriga S, Hatay M, Rohwer FL. 2006. Indirect effects of algae on coral: algae-medicated, microbe-induced coral mortality. Ecology Letters. 9: 835-845.

July 2018

Acropora fragment after 3 weeks, with new corallites and increased calcification (experimental coral frame in our marine aquarium, Kuda Huraa)

Transporting our coral frames by buggy

Crown of Thorns – possible route around Kuda Huraa

August 2018

Acropora fragment July [top] and August

Mysterious mortality – coral fragment closeup

At Landaa Giraavaru, 37 new frames were deployed around Landaa (mainly at the Water Villas site), including 7 frames transplanted by enthusiastic groups of local students. A total of 1700 coral fragments were used as part of a replenishment at the Dive site, and a further 124 frames were monitored (cleaned, repaired and photographed for sponsors). We also recovered small frames from the Water Villas and Moon sites for recycling.

[L] healthy; [R] base necrosis

Webcam to film coral bleaching

Unknown substance leaving the fragment.
Click to see animated GIF [1MB] (new window)

September 2018

At Landaa, we deployed 27 new coral frames this month (mainly at the Water Villas site) and continued our monitoring (clean, repair, photograph) at the Water Villas, Blu and Dive sites. Blu and the Coral Trail were the focus of our recycling efforts, with over 1500 new coral fragments being added to existing frames.

At Kuda Huraa, we made 9 new frames and monitored a further 200 in the Channel site. Some Pocillopora fragments had to be replaced due to black-band disease, and we recognised a little predation from Crown of Thorns starfish (COTs) along the southern end of the Channel. As the House Reef continues to be a difficult site due to predation and smothering, we relocated 36 frames to hard substrate on the shallow reef flat. If the frames thrive here, more frames will be deployed to create a new site, whilst the remaining House Reef frames will be replenished with Pocillopora fragments (Acropora being more vulnerable to fish predation).

Our Four Seasons Landaa apprentices, Huulam and Majid, have started their project to investigate the growth and survival rates between two different coral propagation methods (comparing our frames to a rope-nursery method). The work training and experience develops design and implementation skills, and will be followed by a presentation of the methodology and results.

Coral Bleaching ‘Bubble’ Video Experiment

This month we replicated the experiment using two different fragments (Acropora millepora and Pocillopora verrucosa). Again, the bleaching occurred at approximately day 12, with the Acropora fragment ejecting particulate matter (in relatively large volume) and the Pocillopora fragment observed to slough tissue.

School Visits

This month, we were delighted to welcome student groups from Rehendhi and Ahmadiyya schools to our Kuda Huraa Marine Discovery Centre, who enjoyed a resort tour, conservation presentations and a coral frame transplanting activity.

Wild Coral Collection at Huraa

To save wild corals from being smothered or destroyed during the expansion project at the nearby local island of (Bodu) Huraa, we have been collecting large amounts of colonies each day (mainly Montipora digitata and Acropora sp.) from close to the development zone. To store all the living corals, we have made ‘cradles’ from enmeshed coral frames and placed them in shade beneath the water-villa boardwalk. We are working at full capacity to transplant these coral fragments as soon as possible.

Rehendhi School students transplanting a Reefscapers coral frame

October 2018

We transplanted 7 new coral frames at Kuda Huraa this month, and monitored (cleaned, repaired, photographed) a further 260 frames (mainly in the Channel site).  We continue to recycle the older frames across the Channel and Turtle sites, and recently observed some Acropora fragments experiencing fish predation here, so we have now switched to using Montipora digitata (fast-growing species and less of a target for corallivorous fish).

Several consecutive rainstorms this month had increased the sedimentation seen in the Channel, originating from the expansion project at the nearby local island of (Bodu) Huraa. The suspended sand settled on some of our coral frames in this area, with some tissue mortality observed closest to Bodu Huraa.

Reefscapers coral fragments – fish predation

Coral Plate

Overall, the health of our coral plate is improving, with the number of encrusting fragments increasing faster than the number of fragments showing necrosis (with no further fully dead fragments). The healthiest encrusting fragments are exposed to the most light (upper left of the plate), whereas necrotic fragments only experience tissue loss on their shaded underside. To further our experiment, we have made a new coral plate with Acropora millepora, Acropora digitifera and Acropora hyacinthus (blue and white variations).

Orange gametes (likely eggs) in Acropora tenuis skeleton cavities

At Landaa Giraavaru, October was the busiest month since 2013. We transplanted a total of 60 new coral frames, with 50 of these being made in just 10 days. The new frames were located mainly at our Water Villas and Blu sites; the Blu frames having been transplanted with various Acropora species found in the area. In addition, we also monitored 92 frames, and recycled 20 old frames by replenishing with new coral fragments.

We extend a huge thank you to all our valued sponsors this month, with a particular mention to:

• the Pacific Life group (11 frames), and
• the Sadler family (19 frames) arranged into an ‘S’-shape (located close to the Turtle, off Blu).

November 2018

At Landaa Giraavaru, we transplanted 34 new coral frames (mainly at Blu and Water Villas sites), monitored 180 frames (cleaned, maintained, photographed) mainly at Parrot Reef, and transplanted a further 400 fragments as part of our frame recycling (at Coral Trail and Dive sites).

Frame LG1540 (at the Spa site) has a large healthy colony of Echinopora horrida, which is known to have survived the mass coral bleaching event of 2016. We decided to harvest this colony, transplanting the fragments on multiple frames around Landaa (and we also sent some fragments to Kuda Huraa). We received some Montipora digitata from Kuda Huraa (a relatively shallow water species), which we transplanted onto frames LG3797-8.

At Kuda Huraa, we transplanted 9 new coral frames, continued recycling efforts at the Channel and monitored the Channel and House Reef sites. We are mainly using Montipora species as they are relatively fast growing and resilient. We have been receiving very positive comments on the improvements in coral growth and diversity in the Channel, with many guests also liking the appearance of the water villa frame designs.

We have been observing some extreme fish predation on our House Reef frames at Kuda Huraa, so we relocated these from the reef slope to the flat. Frames were then replenished with more robust coral species (Montipora, Pocillopora, Isopora palifera, Acropora). The very next day, we observed Butterfly fish predation, especially on Montipora (as large areas of polyps had been removed) with other coral species showing some bite marks (likely from triggerfish, parrotfish or pufferfish). This site will be monitored closely, but we expect that most fragments will recover.

On 20 November, we received a sample of Echinopora horrida coral from Landaa, a species no longer found at Kuda Huraa since the 2016 coral bleaching event. The coral was transported in mask containers in a Styrofoam box to keep it cool on the short seaplane ride. The fragments were then immediately transplanted onto a single frame (KH2367) at the Water Villa site, optimal for quick growth, as we hope to slowly re-introduce the species to this area. After four days, there was minimal bleaching/paling, and encrusting growth had started.

Coral ID Project

We are slowly working through our documentation and protocols, updating details about the current diversity of coral species around the island and on reefs close by. Various species were badly hit by the 2016 global coral bleaching event, and while many species are recovering, others have not been sighted recently.

Our Coral ID Documentation will be updated to reflect current protocols, and will be expanded to include photographs of the donor colony, coral branch and corallite close-up of each species (below, Acropora hyacinthus).

Coral Plate

Our original coral plate (Aquarium 2) has improved in overall health, with 11 fragments overcoming necrosis and starting to encrust. Some fragments are growing very well, and it will soon be evident if the corals start to compete or fuse together).

Our new plate is looking less healthy, with high mortality for Acropora millepora, and all fragment mortality was mainly isolated to the top of the plate (contradicting our previous theory that upper fragments exposed to the most light will grow the fastest).

December 2018

At Kuda Huraa, we transplanted 14 new coral frames during December (including 4 online sales) and a further 25 frames were recycled, including our ‘Xmas tree’ for the annual Christmas Day dive. New frames were deployed mainly at the Water Villas and Channel sites, and recycling efforts were focused at the Turtle site.
In total for 2018, 392 new coral frames were deployed, and a further 780 frames were recycled.
We have been using coral fragments from a robust branching Montipora colony, which have proved more resilient than Acropora fragments to the fish predation seen closest to the rocky natural reef (more isolated sandy areas seem free from predation).

At Landaa, 33 new coral frames were made during December (mainly at the Blu and Dive sites), a further 200 were monitored (repaired, cleaned, photographed), and 3800 coral fragments transplanted in our recycling efforts.
The 2018 total for new coral frames is 416 (the highest since 2013), plus a further 550 frames recycled/replanted in-water throughout the year.
At the Dive site, a new arch-shaped installation was designed and then installed on Christmas Day with sand anchors in the substrate. We recycled coral fragments from the old heart-shape, and also from new areas found on exploratory dives (large colonies of Acropora formosa, Acropora valenciennesi and Porites cylindrica, and many smaller colonies of different species).  (Photo credit: Simon).

Coral Plate

The encrusting Acropora millepora fragments on our Aquarium-2 coral plate are now touching, but not yet completely fused. There does not appear to be any sign of competition (overgrowing) between fragments within the first two columns, as they are from the same mother colony.
Our new plate (Aquarium-1) is showing mixed results so far: 60% fragments encrusted, 36% dead, 2% tissue necrosis, 2% not yet encrusting.

Temperature Loggers

We recently analysed the data from our Temperature Loggers out in the lagoon at Kuda Huraa. Following the expected decrease in ocean temperatures in April, there were some notable increases during September and November 2018, with the shallow Turtle and Channel sites experiencing more daily fluctuations.

The graph above shows temperatures recorded at the House Reef (red) and Channel (blue) from April to December 2018 at Kuda Huraa. Hottest temperatures recorded were: 30.7°C House reef (2 May); 33.1°C Channel (7 May).

The graph below shows temperatures at Landaa Giraavaru for much of 2018 (the loggers were removed from the water for maintenance, briefly in May and permanently in September). Peak water temperature was recorded during April (31°C at 5m depth).