
Spectacular view from the seaplane!

‘Taco’ in our recovery pool

Some TLC for ‘Snoopy’
I was also able to join Aku in the Fish Lab helping him cultivate the algae which are used in the fish-feeding process; it was interesting to see how the algae and fertilisers are carefully measured out and placed under specific lighting in order to maximise their growth. Landaa has a fish-breeding programme where they are currently breeding various species of anemonefish and seahorses. Anemonefish numbers around the Maldives have been decreasing in recent years due to an increasing desire by humans to keep them as pets. At Landaa, they aim to aid in the repopulation of anemonefish numbers in the Maldives.

Maldivian Clownfish with its anemone, one of a breeding pair in our Fish Lab

Helping the Manta Trust with their photo-ID project
Spending seven hours on the research boat travelling to and from various cleaning stations in search of mantas was one of the best marine experiences I have ever had! Though it was still the beginning of the season, we were able to record some mantas at each of the sites. I was even lucky enough to witness a mating chain of around six individuals, lead by a pregnant female manta! I am grateful to The Manta Trust for the opportunity to join their trip and for the work they do to conserve these ocean giants.

Manta sighted at a cleaning station
In other news, here in Kuda Huraa our turtle centre is getting busier by the day, with four new arrivals this month, increasing our total number of residents to 37! Our newest editions consist of three Hawksbill turtle hatchlings and one mature Olive Ridley turtle. Two of our new babies arrived from Voavah island with carapace deformations, while the other was sent to us from Gili Lankanfushi after she was left behind in the nest. Flipsy, Amelia, and Toby will remain in our care until they are fit and healthy for release into the ocean.
Varugadha (a large female Olive Ridley turtle) was brought to us from South Male atoll with a severe buoyancy issue. We are currently assessing her condition and giving her the necessary treatments. We will keep her in the Centre with us until we see a full recovery from her injuries.

Head Start Hawksbill turtle hatchling ‘Flipsy’
Till next time
Tori 😊

Time for some rest & relaxation! Enjoying paddle-boarding with friends on my day off.