Maldives Marine Biologists … In Our Own Words
Stephanie’s Marine Internship
Hi, my name is Stephanie, I’m from France and I am the new intern for Reefscapers at Kuda Huraa. 👋
I’ve just finished my first eventful month with the team. At the Marine Discovery Centre, we offer guests the chance to make their own coral frame, to help restore the island’s corals, and to raise awareness of the effects of climate change and the El Nino phenomenon. 🪸
Shyler’s Marine Internship
Hi, my name is Shyler, the new marine biologist intern at Kuda Huraa. I have been helping to restore damaged corals, and educating our Resort guests about the marine wildlife they may encounter while visiting the Maldives. 🌴
I am also taking our turtle patient ‘Maw’ for ocean swims to build strength – she was found entangled in a ghost fishing net, missing two flippers and suffering from buoyancy syndrome.
Hailey’s Chapter #2
Catch up with Hailey’s adventures as a marine biology intern at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa, before she waves a fond farewell to her new found friends.
She’s been busy helping with our Reefscapers coral propagation pyramids project, and there was also time for serene encounters with pilot whales and a very special young dolphin 🐬
Laura’s Coral Life
Hi there! 👋 I’m Laura, the new Assistant Coral Biologist at Landaa Giraavaru. I was warmly welcomed by everyone in the Reefscapers team, and soon started harvesting fragments from colourful reefs 🪸 and photographing our mature coral frames.
I’m thoroughly enjoying all my first-time work experiences… night-snorkelling, coral spawning, caring for turtles, boat driving, teaching students… 💙
Carlo’s Corals
Hi there! 👋 I’m Carlo, the new Assistant Coral Biologist at Kuda Huraa. Having just graduated in Marine Sciences, this is the perfect opportunity to work in the field of marine conservation.
The crystal-clear Maldivian waters already feel like home, and my arrival coincided with a mesmerising coral spawning event. I am excited to be collecting data to better understand coral health and reef resilience to warming oceans.
Hailey’s Marine Internship
Hello! My name is Hailey, and I am Kuda Huraa’s latest Reefscapers intern. I flew halfway around the globe to get here, and I can definitely say that it has been absolutely worth it. 💙
I am getting hands-on experience in coral restoration and field work, monitoring for coral spawning under a full moon, and treating our sick sea turtle patients rescued from entanglement in ghost netting.
Meet Shona, Coral Biologist
I first joined Reefscapers’ internship program in May 2022, and I am now thrilled to be stepping into my predecessor’s coral shoes to take on new challenges!
I feel so lucky to spend countless hours in the water, maintaining our coral propagation program and collecting research data. Despite being here for a whole year now, I am still blown away by the incredible marine biodiversity that the Maldives offers. 💙
Tina’s Time at Marine Savers #2
So much happened in my final weeks, I’m very excited to be able to share it with you!
My ‘Secret Beach’ corals idea was a great way to celebrate our loved ones, and it was very rewarding to lead such a large-scale event.
And we waved a fond farewell to sea turtle Michelangela, now recovered and released back into the ocean. 💙
Meet Edward, our Marine Biologist
Hi everyone! My name is Edward, and I’m the new Marine Biologist here at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru.
My focus is caring for the turtle patients in our Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. We currently have four residents – Frisbee, Maw, Artemis, and Xanchi, all of whom are victims of entanglement with ghost nets (discarded fishing gear) and suffering various injuries.
Tina’s Time at Marine Savers
Hello! My name is Christina, and I’m the new Reefscapers intern at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa.
My marine journey started aged 7 with my diving-instructor father, when I saw a whale shark on my first ever snorkel! My first dive was here in the Maldives as a child, and I vowed to return someday… Having only just graduated with a Master’s in Marine Biology, I feel so incredibly lucky to be here. 💙
Alex – Marine Biologist, Maldives
Hello there! My name is Alex, the newest Marine Biologist to have joined the Marine Savers team. In no time at all, I was enjoying the crystal-clear waters, exploring stunning new reefs.
On board the magnificent Four Seasons Explorer catamaran, I was privileged to traverse the atolls, exploring local islands, visiting picturesque sand banks, and descending to some of the world’s top dive sites with SCUBA lovers from around the globe. 💙
Gabriele’s Marine Internship
Hello! My name is Gabriele, marine biology intern for Marine Savers at Kuda Huraa.
Things have been hectic, with the admission of injured Olive Ridley turtles, rescued from entanglement in ghost nets.
I’ve been monitoring for coral spawning, and it’s amazing to see the secret nocturnal underwater marine life.
My 3D models of the island and reefs are starting to take shape.
Gesa’s Coral Spawning Story
What a month it has been! I have spent most of my time in the water, monitoring hundreds of coral frames around the island, and leading snorkel trips with guests. 🤿
Then there’s the seasonal coral spawning: tagging, gamete checks, checking for bundling, and literature research on spawning cues (tides, sunset, moonrise, temperature, etc). And then finally… the amazing spawning events themselves! 🧡🟠
Kelly At Kuda Huraa
As I finish my marine internship, I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone! 💙
Kuda Huraa now feels like home, and my days are spent monitoring coral frames, caring for our injured turtles, and leading snorkel trips. I am also researching ‘sea turtle buoyancy syndrome’ to improve our rehabilitation protocols to aid more turtles in the future.
Gesa’s Marine Blog
A warm hello from our Marine Discovery Centre at Landaa Giraavaru. 💙 My name is Gesa, the new marine biology intern, supporting the Reefscapers coral team during their second spawning season of the year.
My first few weeks on site were packed with new ideas, from turtle care to Artemia production and dolphin cruises – it’s always great to broaden your skill set!
Kelly At Kuda Huraa
I’m Kelly, the newest Marine Biology Intern at Marine Savers. 👋
When I first caught sight of the turquoise-blue waters outside the plane window, I was speechless … photos cannot do these beautiful Maldivian islands justice. After a quick ferry ride, I was welcomed by the friendly faces of the people who would soon become my good friends. My marine adventures started the very next day, and there hasn’t been a dull moment since …
Monica’s Chapter #3
My time as a Reefscapers marine biology intern has come to an end in the Maldives, but I still have some adventures to share!
I continued caring for our sea turtle patients, made new coral frames with guests, swam with mantas in Hanifaru Bay, and encountered hundreds of dolphins. 🐬
Thanks everyone at Marine Savers, for embracing me as part of their team, and for all their patience and knowledge shared. 👋
Shona’s Chapter #2
It is now the final weeks of my marine internship, and the past three months have flown by!
We’ve been busy prepping to commemorate some special days for Shark Awareness, World Mangroves, and a PADI Womens’ Dive.
During our scuba and freediving sessions I have experienced some awe-inspiring encounters with marine life, including my first ever manta encounter, which was truly breath-taking!
Life as a Sea Turtle Vet
Read Kat’s Diary, to find out what it’s like to be a veterinarian working in the Maldives!
Firstly, every day is different … we treat Olive Ridleys rescued from entanglement in ghost nets (discarded fishing gear), Hawksbills covered in barnacles, and Green turtles unable to dive below the water surface.
Recently, we’ve even been caring for two orphaned fruit bats! 🦇
Monica’s Chapter #2
My first month in Landaa went by so fast, and I’m back to tell you about my recent adventures. 🤿
I have started to lead snorkel and dolphin tours for the guests… my favourite activities include taking photographs of the dolphin fins for our ID Project. 🐬
Many Spinner dolphins later, I’ve been able to improve my photo skills, and now I even have a dolphin with my name! 📷
Callum’s Chapter 2
The past 6 weeks have been a fantastic learning experience. Our coral work has really stepped up a gear, and I’ve been helping to relocate new coral frames to the House Reef. We’ve been busy retransplanting coral fragments onto the shallow-water frames, and monitoring for signs of coral spawning in the evenings.
It is very encouraging to see how many of our corals have survived this year’s seasonally warm ocean temperatures.
Monica’s Marine Life
Hi, I’m Mônica, the new marine biology intern. Sea turtle conservation is one of my passions, and taking care of the turtles is one of my daily tasks here at Landaa’s Rescue Centre.
We currently have 5 patients, 3 Olive Ridley’s, an adult Hawksbill and a small Green turtle. Unfortunately, 3 of them cannot ever be released back to the wild due to permanent injury caused by entanglement in ghost nets.
Shona’s Marine Adventures
Hi, my name is Shona and I am the new Marine Savers intern at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. I am super excited to be diving (quite literally) back into the world of marine biology, and have so far been welcomed by eagle rays and blacktip reef sharks!
I continue to be amazed by the incredible diversity of marine life, although I do have a long way to go before becoming an expert in species identification.
Meet Erin, Marine Centre Manager
“Just how did a winter-sport-loving Canadian become a tropical marine biologist?” I always enjoy sharing the unorthodox path that brought me from snowy mountains to these coral reefs. 🧜
It’s a serenely beautiful experience to walk the length of our island each morning, watching the sting rays and marvelling at the sunrise, and it’s a privilege to be working in these world-renowned turquoise-blue waters every day. 💙
Callum’s Diary
The Maldives had always seemed a mythical place of manta rays and whale sharks, but when I boarded the Four Seasons boat and saw the brilliant blue ocean (and several flying fish!) … I knew that I had finally arrived.
Within minutes of starting my very first snorkel, I spotted 3 blacktip reef sharks and 2 hawksbill turtles swimming on the reef. I was well and truly hooked on this magical underwater world …
Bethany’s Chapter #2
March has flown by, and I can’t believe I have been here two months already. We have had the arrival of my first turtle patient, an Olive Ridley amputee named Ari, with a BIG personality!
Having dug my first relocated beach nest (hard work!), I now have a new found respect for female turtles’ excavation capabilities.
And I find time to visit the local island of Bodu Huraa, to explore the rock pools and mangroves.
Bethany’s Biology Blog
Hi, I’m Bethany, the newest marine biology intern at Kuda Huraa. Leaving on a rainy February day in Scotland to arrive in the Maldives with blue skies, white sands, and thirty-degree heat felt like I was dreaming!
I have seen marine life of all colours, shapes and sizes … from sharks and eels, to spinner dolphins and sea turtles, plus all the reef fish you can imagine… it’s difficult to know where to look!
Laura’s Chapter 3
Enjoy Laura’s final blog chapter as our marine biology intern here at Kuda Huraa.
It’s all-hands-on-kayak, as we paddle across the lagoon to relocate some coral frames, bathed in glorious seasonal sunshine and blessed with excellent visibility underwater. The conditions are perfect for training our new marine biologist, Bethany.
Thanks for all your help, Laura … missing you already. 💙
Marine Biologist, Charlie
Meet our Marine Biologist Charlie, originally from the UK, who spent his childhood in New Zealand and enjoyed life in the Bahamas as a young fisherman and free diver.
Charlie soon gets hands-on with our Reefscapers coral propagation program at Kuda Huraa, rallying the team to relocate some ‘at risk’ frames complete with mature corals and teaming with marine life.
Laura 🐢 Taz & Speedy 🐢
This month, join Laura underwater in Kuda Huraa’s sandy lagoon, as she visits our coral gardens, and gets hands-on with the urgent relocation of our ‘at risk’ artificial reefs.
Life starts to return to normal following the hectic festive season, and we say a beachside Bon Voyage to 2 of our favourite long-term turtle patients, Taz and Speedy. So long, little guys. 💚
Marine Matt 🐟 Chapter 2
Come and join me at Kuda Huraa for my second month as a marine biology intern.
We’ve been working on a major project with our Resort colleagues to rescue some coral frames from the seasonally shifting sands … it’s been all hands on deck, with some ingenious solutions.
We wave goodbye to 2 Green turtle friends, and I’m practising my photography skills, both above and below the waves. 📷
Meet Helen, our Marine Aquarist
Hello, I’m Helen. I work in the Fish Lab at Landaa Giraavaru, managing the aquariums and looking after all the fish and marine invertebrates. 🐡
After being stuck in the UK during the pandemic, coming to the Maldives to spend every day in the sea and sunshine was an absolute dream … surrounded by amazing marine life, both out in the open ocean and among our fish breeding tanks. 🐠
Laura’s Marine Life 🐬
Hello, I’m Laura, the new Marine Savers intern, with sharks and rays and fish of every imaginable colour, living right on my doorstep!
Here at Kuda Huraa, my work as a marine biologist is only just beginning, and I still have so much to learn about sea turtle conservation, coral propagation and marine life in the Maldives!
Meet Marine Biology Matt 🐟
Greetings from Kuda Huraa! My name is Matthew, and I am the new marine biology intern working for Marine Savers.
After graduating in July, the Maldives was one of the last places I was expecting to end up. Fast forward to November, and I was boarding a plane headed for tropical paradise!
My first month here has been nothing short of incredible, with lots of ongoing projects keeping us very busy.
Coral Propagation with Alejandra
This month, I have enjoyed making new coral frames with our guests. People who visit the Resort often become interested in adopting a new coral frame, to help enhance the health and productivity of the marine ecosystem.
Our reef regeneration is successful in creating homes for thousands of sea creatures, and supporting 25% of the life in the ocean that depends on coral reefs.
Meet Margaux, Coral Biologist
Hello, my name is Margaux, and I am the new Reefscapers Coral Biologist at Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru.
After a year of lockdown in the UK, I am now back in the ocean and couldn’t be happier … after being being thrown in to work at the deep end! 😊
Join me underwater for free-diving and snorkeling with mantas, then lend a hand to construct a very unique raft …
Meet Ale, Coral Biologist
Hello, my name is Alejandra, and I am the new Reefscapers Coral Biologist at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa … a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. 🌴
My day begins with the colours of the ocean, peaceful beaches, the balance and beauty of nature … all are simply breath-taking. The Maldives’ underwater world of reef fish and coral biodiversity is a mind-blowing experience! 💙
Meet Maanee, Marine Biologist
Born and bred in the Maldives, Maanee grew up with the ocean in her backyard! From an early age, the natural beauty of marine life captivated her, and she decided to follow her passion by studying the conservation of marine environments.
🎓 After graduating in Tropical Environmental Biology, Maanee interned with us for 3 months, and is now a valued full-time member of our team at Kuda Huraa.
Jenn’s Maldives Marine Diary
Hi! My name is Jenn, and I am the new Reefscapers Marine Biologist at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa.
I was incredibly lucky to land this job in the midst of the global pandemic, and I am very excited to share my Marine Savers journey with you! My job role, experiences, thoughts and feelings … a rollercoaster ride, long before I set foot on this tropical island paradise! 🌴
Ellie’s Life at Landaa
Hi! I’m Ellie, the marine biology intern at Landaa Giraavaru. Having recently graduated in Zoology, I am taking a year out to gain work experience … and what an incredible experience it has been so far!
It’s challenging to learn all the relevant fish & coral biology so quickly … but the Marine Savers team is amazing, and it’s a tropical paradise here!
Maanee’s Marine Biology Blog
It’s Maanee’s final month with us, and she’s been a huge help with our turtle rescue patients. Learn about the different personalities that each turtle displays, and read how we nurse them back to health before release back into the ocean.
Plus there’s the story of Tara, the juvenile Olive Ridley turtle found covered in oil, who receives a special spa treatment … a mayonnaise massage! 😃
Maanee’s Marine Life
Kihineh, and greetings from the jewelled-necklace of the Indian Ocean! My name is Maanee, and I’m one of the fresh faces interning with Marine Savers at Kuda Huraa.
Not a day in my experience has been anything short of sensational, as every aspiring marine biologist must consider the opportunity to live and work here as a dream and privilege.
But let me be the first to tell you that caring for sick & injured turtles is a full-time job … ! 💚
Reefscapers Dynamic Duo!
Hi everyone! 🙂 We’re Martyna and Sorin, 2 interns at the Marine Discovery Centre Kuda Huraa, working on the coral restoration program.
We are maintaining 2,000+ coral frames, collecting coral fragments and transplanting them onto both new and existing frames. Typically, each day involves a solid 7 hours in the water … which we LOVE! 💙
Olivia’s Marine Biology Internship
Hi everyone, my name is Olivia, and I am a 22-year-old Master’s student from England, studying Tropical Marine Biology. I am the marine biologist intern here at the Marine Discovery Centre at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. As part of my Master’s degree, I am researching the Reefscapers coral propagation programme.
Lotte’s Marine Life
Learn about Lotte’s new life at Landaa, helping with our Clownfish and jellies in the Fish Lab. There’s time to propagate some corals with our Reefscaping team, before caring for the injured turtle patients at our rescue centre.
Lotte also kick-starts the Flying Turtles programme, to find new permanent homes for our “non-releasable” long-term residents.
Chathu’s Story
Hello, I’m Chathu, a Master’s student at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka.
I’ve spent ten weeks as a marine biology intern at the Marine Discovery Center in Landaa Giraavaru, and there is so much to learn about the different aspects of the marine biology programmes here, including Turtle care, the Fish Lab and Coral propagation, plus turtle safaris, adventure snorkels and dolphin cruises.
Louise’s Life at Landaa
My name is Louise, I am a French marine biology student from the IMBRSea Master. I am currently working on the island of Landaa Giraavaru in the Maldives, to work on my Master’s thesis with the Reefscapers team.
For my project, I will be assessing the growth rate of the coral frames that are located around the island as part of the reef restoration programme.
Meet Marine Intern Julia
Hi, I’m Julia, 28 years young from England, and I’m the current marine biology intern here at Kuda Huraa!
At the moment, there are large numbers of adult Olive Ridley turtles drifting to the Maldives trapped in discarded (ghost) fishing gear, often wounded and dehydrated when they’re rescued. So we are busy turtle feeding and monitoring, and discussing our conservation efforts with resort guests.
Rafaela’s Marine Biology Blog
Hello, my name is Rafaela. I’m 25 years old and I graduated from my Master’s degree in Marine Biology at the University of Algarve.
I have been here for 5 weeks so far, and I’m really enjoying it and learning a lot. I have spent time treating the turtle patients, monitoring coral frames around the island, and taking guest snorkel safaris.
Juliet’s Internship
Meet Juliet, our latest marine biology intern joining us all the way from the U.S. of A. It’s been a busy first month on the job, with many interesting experiences along the way.
Juliet goes hands-on with our Green turtle hatchlings and injured Olive Ridley patients, and is soon helping with our marine presentations and guest safaris … both above and below the waves.
Saphire’s Special Safari
Saphire’s incredible experiences continue this month, with something really special on safari …
Whilst night-snorkelling, there’s parrot fish, lobster and Hawksbills out on the reef, and back on dry land we have another turtle nest discovered on the beach.
Finally whilst out on safari, there’s not only a pod of Pilot Whales but also a very rare sighting of Sperm whales!
Saphire’s Second Safari
Saphire has settled in to her new life as a marine biologist, and in month 2 she’s been busy leading our guest excursions and snorkel safaris.
It’s a busy time in our turtle rescue centre, with some happy and some sad news this month.
And Saphire shares some once-in-a-lifetime photos of her incredible time on the Manta Trust research boat …
Léa’s Marine Life Lessons
Meet Léa, who joined us from France for her marine biology internship.
She was soon helping to care for our turtle rescue patients, and learning about the Clownfish breeding programme.
Léa then took a closer look at our Reefscapers project, to study coral fragments down the microscope.
Saphire on Safari
Hello! My name is Saphire and I’m interning at the Marine Discovery Centre in Landaa Giraavaru. I’m 25 years old and recently graduated from my Master’s degree in Marine Environmental Management from the University of York (UK).
I’ve been in the Maldives for 1 month now, and I’m having a fantastic time learning about turtle care, the Fish Lab and the Reefscapers coral frames.
Tori’s Travels #Five
Hello again! I have many exciting stories to share from this last month in the Maldives.
Waving a happy “goodbye” to some of my rescue turtle friends, and diving with mantas for the very first time … my final weeks at Kuda Huraa have been nothing short of incredible! 🙂
Tori’s Travels #Four
This month, Tori welcomes injured rescue turtles to our Rehabilitation Centre, and learns some new coral propagation techniques for our Reefscapers frames.
Next, there’s an exciting trip to Baa Atoll in search of mantas, and we discover some of Aku’s clownfish secrets down in Landaa’s Fish Lab …
Tori’s Travels #Three
Another month has flown by at Kuda Huraa, and it’s been one of new experiences and wonderful surprises for Tori.
We’ve been busily treating the turtle patients at our rehabilitation centre, there are some thrilling marine encounters with pilot whales and eagle rays, and the month ends with an exciting opportunity …
Tori’s Travels #Two
Spend more time with our intern Tori, as she ventures out on Dolphin Safari to see the Spinners in action.
She’s also been welcoming some tiny turtle hatchlings to our care & rehabilitation programme, before waving a «Bon Voyage» to Stevie, our 25kg rescue Olive Ridley, equipped with her very own satellite tag!
Tiana’s Tales
Meet Tiana, our latest marine biology intern at Landaa Giraavaru who joins us from Hong Kong.
It’s not long before she’s leading our Turtle Safari snorkel trips, and helping Monty with Reefscapers coral propagation and monitoring our frames out in the lagoon.
Tori’s Travels
Meet Tori, who’s come all the way from Down Under to start her internship with us here at Marine Savers.
It doesn’t take long before she’s helping out with our rescue turtle patients, and seeing first-hand the damage that drifting ghost fishing nets can cause.
Thije’s Third Time
For his final month of internship, Thije continues to help with the care and rehabilitation of our rescue turtles, with some good and some bad news …
There is also time for a magical encounter with blacktip reef sharks, before starting work on constructing a unique (and enormous!) turtle … out of coral frames! 💚
Thije’s Turtle Time
Thije is back with more great photos and stories from his busy life as a marine biology intern.
This month, he gets to understand the real personalities of our rescue turtles, and then there’s a first look at his Reefscapers coral propagation project.
Time With Thije
Thije joins us from The Netherlands as our latest intern here at the Marine Discovery Centre.
Read about his first few action-packed weeks at Landaa Giraavaru, and enjoy his excellent photo album of marine life viewed from both above and below the waves.
Jean-Gabriel’s Clownfish Tales
Jean-Gabriel continues his Fish Lab experiments with our breeding pairs of Maldivian and Clark’s Clownfish, with promising results.
He details the maturation of fish eggs and the development into larvae and juveniles, and has a memorable encounter beneath the waves with some gentle giants of the ocean …
Jean-Gabriel’s Internship
We are pleased to welcome Jean-Gabriel to our Fish Lab, as the latest intern to join us at Marine Savers.
He will be learning about the national Sea Turtle Identification Database, and experimenting with our breeding programme for Maldivian and Clark’s Clownfish down in the Fish Lab.
Greg’s Chapter 2 as a Marine Biology Intern
Catch up with Greg’s second month with us here at Landaa Giraavaru, as he completes his important work on Maldivian coral DNA.
He waves goodbye to three of our rescue turtle patients, and still find time to swim with mantas at the world famous Hanifaru Bay!
Irene’s Final Chapter
Irene looks back over her last 6 months as a marine biologist, sharing some of her wonderful stories and exciting photographs of Kuda Huraa.
She introduces our Junior Marine Savers to the resident rescue sea turtles, and there’s also time for celebrity surfer-spotting!
Greg’s Marine Biology Blog
Meet Greg, our latest intern who joins us from the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium.
Greg’s speciality is corals, and he’s keen to start researching the corals in our lagoon to understand resilience to bleaching. There is also time to get to know our resident rescue turtles, with an emotional ‘bon voyage’ to Ossy.
Irene’s Story – Chapter Three
Irene enjoyed her Marine Savers internship so much that she came back again !
Enjoy her latest chapter of adventures, as Irene goes on the hunt above and below the waves … to spot dolphins & mantas.
Plus there are updates about 2 of our rescued Olive Ridley turtles, Luc and Max.
Head Start With Hannah
This month, Hannah is helping with our turtle hatchling care programme, and bids a fond farewell to 5 of our hatchlings that have grown from just 20g in weight to over 4kg in the last year!
And learn about Hannah’s marine experiment, studying the feeding preferences of Drupella snails on corals at our Centre.
Vanessa’s Marine Biology Internship
After spending several months with the Marine Savers team, I can say for sure it was one of the best experiences of my life!
I was able to help with the variety of different projects at the Marine Discovery Centre, and had the pleasure of working with an amazing team of dedicated biologists.
Irene’s Story – Chapter Two
Irene helps with our turtle care & rehab programme, and releases some hatchlings into the ocean during a memorable dawn trip on the ‘whaler’.
She also finds time to research the devastating effects of ‘ghost nets’ on Olive Ridley sea turtles, before departing with newly found study plans and a thirst for further travel adventures.
Lynn’s Landaa Life
This month, Lynn learns about our coral propagation programme and helps to make new Reefscapers frames, before joining a Manta Trust expedition for some thrilling underwater experiences.
She also says goodbye to an old friend, a rescued Olive Ridley sea turtle named ‘Denise’, lovingly cared for and released back to the ocean.
The Happenings of Hannah
Meet Hannah, who joins us from Down Under as our marine biology intern at Kuda Huraa.
It’s not long before she’s helping out with our rehabilitation turtles, in what turns out to be the busiest period at our rescue Centre.
And read how the Maldivian spinner dolphins might have finally warmed her heart … ❤
The Captivating Underwater World
During her second internship month, Lynn assists with an emergency admission to our turtle rescue centre.
She then heads out to sea on a Dolphin Cruise, to photograph spinner dolphins leaping into the air, before spending a more relaxing time beneath the waves, exploring the abundant and colourful underwater marine life of Baa Atoll.
Irene’s Story – Chapter One
We welcome Irene from Spain, who joins the Marine Savers team as our latest intern at Kuda Huraa.
Within just a few days, she is helping with our Reefscapers coral frames and giving awareness presentations to our resort guests.
Irene uses her veterinarial skills to treat our rescue turtle patients, and says a happy adiós to ‘Dash’ on release day.
Lynn’s Internship: For the love of ‘Penyu’
Meet Lynn, an environmental biology graduate and sea turtle conservationist from Malaysia, now interning with us at Landaa.
Lynn soon meets our Olive Ridley turtle patients, getting to know their unique personalities and preferences, and is on hand to assist when 2 new turtles arrive, rescued by local fishermen from discarded ‘ghost’ fishing nets.
Janice’s Journey
Say ‘hello’ to Janice who is interning with us from Singapore.
She helps out with our guest marine biology presentations, before some hands on experience with our injured sea turtle patients suffering from ‘buoyancy syndrome’.
And Janice is literally ‘jumping for joy’ before departure, as our very own turtle nest starts to hatch … !
Fish Lab: Fun Facts and Fascinating Findings
Our volunteer Mark follows his passion for marine biology down to the fish lab, where he gets to work with our Clownfish sustainable breeding project.
Learn about our Maldivian and Clark’s Clownfish as they hatch from a clutch of tiny eggs, through a larval stage before developing into miniature ‘Nemo’ juveniles.
Mark’s Marine Biology Blog
Meet Mark, our latest Eco-Volunteer to help with our marine conservation projects here in the Maldives.
By the second day, Mark is getting to know our rescue turtle patients and assisting with feeding times. There is also time for a boat trip, where he has an unforgettable encounter with a pod of false killer whales.
Adam’s Turtle Tales
Adam is our new intern at Kuda Huraa, and he joins us fresh from university and full of enthusiasm!
He is helping with our turtle conservation projects – injured rescue turtles and the hatchling head start programme. You can join Adam as he releases a turtle with a satellite tracking tag, and see why he’s got one eye on the waves …
Nicole’s Daily Diary
Meet Nicole, who travelled from Germany to join us for 6 weeks as a marine biology volunteer at our Discovery Centre.
She helps with caring for our Olive Ridley turtles, which have been rescued from entanglement in ghost fishing nets.
Nicole also visits an uninhabited Maldivian island to document wild turtle nests, and assists with a hatchling release.
Emily’s Adventures – The Final Chapters
Say goodbye to Emily, as she finishes her marine biology internship with us. Before she left, Emily had time to finish her blog and take some more great photos !
There is lots of fun on land, as she helps our apprentices with a new coral frame and is interviewed for Japanese TV.
Whilst underwater, Emily helps with our Reefscapers programme and continues to be impressed with the fascinating Maldivian marine life.
Emily’s Adventures – Chapter 4
Emily has enjoyed her marine biology internship so much, that she’s returned for further adventures!
She continues with her coral experiments, and learns about the mass coral spawning event that occurs at this time of year.
Emily gets to see some fascinating marine life whilst diving and snorkelling around the resort, and then finds time to volunteer for a special kind of treatment …
Dhiya’s Creatures of Landaa
We bring you Dhiya’s delightful diary of her days with us, pursuing her passions as a marine biology intern. Enjoy stories and photographs of the countless creatures she encountered both above and below the waves, from crabs and turtles, to guitar sharks and ink-squirting sea hares !
Dhiya also learns about our lab’s Clownfish breeding programme, and proves to be a big help assisting with our national Turtle ID project.
Emily’s Adventures – Chapter 3
Catch up with Emily as she completes her third month with us here at Marine Savers.
She’s been busy both above and below the waves, helping with the build-a-reef activities at the Kids’ Club and then monitoring at our new ‘Starfish’ site.
Emily also found the time for a special night snorkel, and was amazed at what she saw …
Emily’s Adventures – Chapter 2
Catch up with Emily in her second blog instalment as a marine biology intern, and learn about her experiments with coral fragments.
Emily also helps to release some Green Turtles from our ‘head start’ programme, and encounters the menace Crown Of Thorns starfish on the reef.
Emily’s Adventures – Chapter 1
Enjoy the first chapter of Emily’s blog, as she starts her marine biology internship.
After a brief (magic) spell dressing up as ‘Snow White’, Emily pursues her interests in coral biology with our Reefscapers team.
She also enjoys some time on our guest excursions, with some exciting encounters both above and below the waves.
Roz’s Marine Biology Diary
Follow Roz’s adventures on her internship here with us at Marine Savers. She gives marine biology presentations and helps with our guided snorkel safaris, to increase awareness of the fascinating wildlife here in Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Roz also manages to find some free time to cross some interesting items from her bucket list …
Lauren’s Marine Biology Blog
Join Lauren as she settles in to our marine biology Volunteers Programme here in the Maldives, and see some fabulous photos taken during her 1 month placement with our team.
Lauren meets the turtle rescue patients to learn about “ghost nets” and “floating syndrome”. Then she ventures underwater to help with our Reefscapers coral propagation programme and manages to find time to snorkel with mantas at the legendary Hanifaru Bay …
Sophie’s Marine Biology Internship
Say hello to our resident intern Sophie, who has come to work with us here at Marine Savers for 3 months.
Sophie gets busy with our turtles, helping with both an attempted rescue and a release, and learns about our current residents.
And unusually for our Marine Discovery Centre, we are also taking care of 2 furry residents … !
Volunteering in the Maldives with Marine Savers
Meet Keith, the latest Volunteer to signup for our Programme.
He took a break from his busy office job to experience life as a marine biologist here in the Maldives. He is soon helping out with the turtle patients, and learning all about our Reefscapers coral propagation project.
Keith even finds the time for some recreational diving and a spot of meditative yoga.
Dayna’s Days as an Intern
Join Dayna, our marine biology intern here at Kuda Huraa.
See how she uses her veterinarian skills and training to help save the lives of our sea turtles, injured from entanglement in drifting ghost fishing nets.
Learn about her research project with our turtle hatchlings, and go diving as Dayna explores the rich underwater marine life.
Marine Biology Volunteers
Have you ever wanted to work in the Maldives, to experience the life of a marine biologist ?
We are welcoming Volunteers to help us with our marine conservation projects – coral reef propagation, turtle conservation and more!
Meet Winy & Hazel, as they get hands on with our coral frames and rescue turtles.
Marine Biology Internship
Say hello to Mailis, our new intern at Landaa Giraavaru.
She is studying turtle conservation in the Maldives, so our rehabilitation centre provides the perfect educational home for a few months, caring for our rescue patients.
Cath’s Blog – Chapter 2
Catch up with Cath’s adventures at Kuda Huraa and enjoy her great marine life photos and fabulously fun video!
We also have news of ‘megafauna’ sightings from our guest excursions, and meet the Fish Lab clownfish in their new home out in the lagoon.
Meet Cath – our new Marine Biology Intern
Hello! My name is Cath, and I am the new intern working here at Kuda Huraa until the end of June. I recently completed my undergraduate degree, studying Marine Biology at Portsmouth University, and was delighted to be offered the opportunity to work here in this Maldivian paradise for 3 months!
Beth’s Marine Biology Blog – chapter 3
Join our intern Beth here at Kuda Huraa, as she helps with the guest dolphin excursions and dives beneath the waves to photograph turtles on the reef.
Beth also assists with an emergency surgical operation on ‘Naseeb’ – a rescued Olive Ridley turtle, found entangled in a discarded fishing line and now recovering at our Centre.
Beth’s Marine Biology Blog – chapter 2
Join our intern Beth, as she helps with our Reefscapers coral propagation projects during her second month here at the Marine Discovery Centre, Kuda Huraa.
Beth also gets hands on experience with our sea turtle rescue & rehabilitation programme, as she takes part in a daring mid-ocean rescue to save ‘Buddy’ !
Beth’s Marine Biology Blog
Join Beth, our new intern at the Marine Discovery Centre, Kuda Huraa, as she learns about caring for the sea turtles in our Head Start Programme, and attends a ‘ghost net’ awareness course.
Beth helps out with our national Turtle ID Project, photographing wild sea turtles on the reef, and there’s a spectacular dolphin cruise !
Working as an Intern at Marine Savers
Read a special report from our intern Adrelia, who worked with us at the end of the year.
Take a look behind-the-scenes at Marine Savers through a fresh pair of eyes, as Adrelia gets to grips with the day-to-day tasks of a marine biologist, and learns more about our long term conservation projects here in the Maldives.
Coral Reef Propagation Experiments
We were lucky to observe our second coral spawning event of the year, and we investigate marine biodiversity. Join us as we take a detailed look at the sea creatures that have taken up home in our coral frames … prepare to be amazed at the number and diversity of species that we found !
Coastal Populations of the Blacktip Reef Shark
Meet Glen, our new research intern based at our Marine Discovery Centre here at Kuda Huraa, and learn more about his shark identification project. Using baited camera traps, Glen hopes to uniquely identify the local Blacktip sharks to quantify the population.
Our Wikipedia page – Marine Wildlife of Baa Atoll
See how our photographic catalogue of Baa Atoll marine life is progressing, and read the exciting news that we may have discovered a new species of sea cucumber !
Do you want to experience life as a marine biologist
here in the Maldives ?
Head over to our Employment page to read about the different ways you can work with us - full time, apprentice or intern.
And see more from our Interns in their very own words & photos as part of our Diary / Blog series.