On Sundays, I’m A Science Hero
Thursday 25th of February 2021
Being a scientist is one of the coolest things you can be. More so, being a scientist in the Maldives is the dream! Lara and Aline, marine biologists at Hurawalhi Maldives invites you to be a scientist for a day join them on Sundays to monitor the island’s beautiful seagrass meadow.
Seagrasses are the only underwater flowering plants on the planet and unlike seaweed, they possess complex root structures to anchor the plant and take up nutrients and reproduce via flowers and seeds. They grow in shallow temperate and tropical waters and provide a home and nursery ground for many marine species. 70 different seagrass species have been identified so far, with the tropical Indo-Pacific accounting for the highest seagrass diversity in the world.
Resorts in the Maldives have been doing their part in protecting these vulnerable meadows on their island waters. Previously, seagrasses in Maldives have been undervalued in the past and mainly been seen as a nuisance by the tourism industry in general.
Hurawalhi has been home to a large seagrass meadow which is frequently visited by endangered green sea turtles which eat up to 2kg of seagrass per day. It’s no coincidence that the Maldives’ largest community of green sea turtles thrive on the reefs of Lhaviyani Atoll which has large, healthy seagrass meadows – 4 hectares of seagrass was found to support a green turtle population of 76 individuals at nearby Kuredu Resort Maldives!
In addition to housing a number of marine species, Seagrasses prevent beach erosion and also help to fight climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. They provide camouflage for numerous fish species as a nursery ground, allowing successful breeding seasons to take place. Despite the many benefits of seagrass meadows, globally, like coral reefs, they are under threat by dredging, trawling, pollution and even removal.
Be sure to pay a visit to the seagrass meadow in Hurawalhi, located between the back jetty and the ocean villas. Maintaining this healthy seagrass meadow does not only aid the survival of our marine life but also protects Hurawalhi’s beautiful beaches. When you team up with the resort’s marine biologists, you will learn about its importance for species such as sea turtles and other marine life, while having fun applying scientific methods to collect valuable data.
This activity is offered on a complimentary basis in Hurawalhi to encourage, educate and advocate guests in being responsible travelers. Book your slot on the Hurawalhi App and get to know a lot more. This fascinating marine ecosystems awaits it’s superhero’s visit, next time you are at Hurawalhi Maldives.