AQUACULTURE – ‘SEAWEED’ AS A SUSTAINABLE FOOD

Macroalgae Culture Area (Mangrove Zone) – During April, the layout and future distribution of the macroalgae cultivation area near the mangrove zone were designed, including planned cleaning of the area to reduce grazers such as sea slugs and epiphyte accumulation. The new configuration is based on species-specific requirements, including nutrient availability, light exposure, and water flow, and aims to improve overall culture efficiency.

• Elkhorn Sea Moss (Kappaphycus alvarezii) – Cultures reached a total wet weight of 730g during April, with biomass distributed across green, light-brown, and red-brown morphotypes. The newly introduced light brown morphotype has shown a significant increase in biomass over the monitoring period, but it also appears to be more susceptible to epiphyte colonisation and herbivory.
• Sea Grapes (Caulerpa racemosa) – Frond damage was observed, likely due to elevated solar radiation, resulting in pigment degradation (yellowing and browning of the biomass). We are trialling various shading strategies, and we are already seeing improved pigment preservation and frond condition. In parallel, trials using inverted cages were initiated, allowing the fronds to remain submerged and avoiding exposure outside the water. Preliminary observations indicate more uniform green pigmentation, a reduction in brown-toned fronds, and the development of longer fronds with improved structural consistency. A total of 1,650g of sea grapes were harvested and supplied to the resort’s restaurants for culinary use.
• Crunchy Hair Grass (Boodlea sp.) – This newly introduced species remains under controlled conditions, with no harvesting during April. We continue to assess growth behaviour, structural characteristics, and adaptability within the system. Its filamentous morphology has remained stable under current culture conditions, supporting ongoing evaluation of its potential for future culinary applications. This species has already been introduced on a trial basis in the resort’s restaurants, where it has been used in preparations such as a seaweed-based sauce and crispy seaweed rolls. These applications are currently under evaluation.

Guest Excursions

At Landaa Giraavaru, we conducted 8 guided tours of our Marine Discovery Centre for a total of 52 guests. Our guided snorkel excursions were enjoyed by 207 guests. Across 10 separate Dolphin Cruises for 79 guests, we recorded sightings of 40 bottlenose dolphins, 770 Spinners, and 50 pilot whales. We also enjoyed several memorable occasions where guests were able to swim with dolphins during snorkel trips!

At Kuda Huraa this month, a total of 257 guests enjoyed 43 different excursions to 7 different marine sites in the area, where we recorded 15 different megafauna species.

During April, we sighted a pod of Risso’s dolphins with members of a pilot whale pod. It was evident they had just come up from a dive, given the slow speed and prolonged surface time of the pilot, and the Risso’s followed suit. They were all traveling north past Malé. Later that same day, the pilots were seen with a pod of bottlenoses – they seem to get along, and different species become more social when the pilots pass through. Although we lack the ability to directly know the dynamics of these mixed social groups, it’s great data for future reference.

Junior Marine Savers

During April, we welcomed 6 Junior Marine Savers at Kuda Huraa. With enthusiastic young minds eager to learn more about our ocean ecosystems, it was filled with talks of turtles, dolphins, corals, and how they can act to help. For the turtle specialty, the kids get to help feed our patients in our Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. With the coral specialty, they have the chance to learn about the importance of the reef before building their own coral frame. This all precedes the snorkel portion of the morning, which was full of fish, coral, sharks and smiles!

It is always a pleasure teaching the next generation not only how impressive our natural world is, but how imperative it is that we protect it. Now they can go off and tell their peers to respect our planet, making this world a bit better each time!

School Visit

This month, we hosted the Villa International High School for an informative and exciting time talking all about the importance of our coral reef ecosystems. Going in depth about how we can all have a positive impact towards helping our environment is a key part of this experience, with a presentation led by our marine biology team. The students then got to help feed our turtle patients their breakfast in our Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, followed by coral frame building with our coral team.
It is always wonderful to engage with young students who have passion and questions about our natural world. The Marine Discovery team wishes these students luck on their future endeavours!

World Ocean Day Webinar

This month, our marine biology team was invited to speak on behalf of Reefscapers and the Marine Discovery Centre’s contributions to Ocean conservation efforts. This event was hosted by World Ocean Day and Bow Seat as an educational outreach on Ocean Climate Literacy Program. This session focused on corals, different coral restoration techniques, threats against sea turtles, and their rehabilitation process. Students and interested minds watched and interacted with questions and comments regarding the topics covered over the hour. This was an incredible experience and a great way to get more connected with passionate people who want to make our world a better place!