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Coco Bodu Hithi welcomes the Olive Ridley Project for a Sea Turtle Discovery

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Turtle, Coco Bodu Hithi

Maldives.net.mv – Coco Collection has welcomed Dr. Jillian Amy Hudgins, the Project Scientist of the Olive Ridley Project, to the luxurious beaches of Coco Bodu Hithi. Joined by the resort’s resident Marine Biologist Chiara Fumagalli, Dr. Hudgins will spend 2 days on the island engaging guests and associates in interactive and informative presentations while learning more about the sea turtles around the rich waters of Coco Bodu Hithi.

“In 2011, I arrived in Maldives where my journey began with an independent Marine consultancy company. While working on coral reef restorations and sea turtle rehabilitation, I was also in charge of the Maldives Sea Turtle Identification Program. I’m very excited to meet the guests and associates at Coco Bodu Hithi soon and tell them more about our important work at the Olive Ridley Project to protect these wonderful marine creatures”, comments Dr. Jillian Hudgins, Ph.D. in Planetary and Earth Sciences, Divemaster and Scientific Diver.

Established in 2013, the Olive Ridley Project aims to educate the community about the detrimental effects of ghost nets that have been abandoned or lost in the ocean, continuing to entangle vulnerable marine animals. Actively fighting ghost nets in the Indian Ocean, the Olive Ridley Project relies on the involvement of dedicated individuals and Coco Collection is proud to collaborate with the project to rescue affected animals and collect data to contribute to the research for sustainable fishing techniques.

“This is an exciting opportunity for guests to discover our contribution towards the conservation of endangered sea turtles in Maldives!”, comments Chiara Fumagalli, Coco Collection’s resident Marine Biologist who initiated the Sea Turtle and Manta Ray Identification Programs at Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. “It is also a once in a lifetime opportunity to join an underwater excursion to meet our resident sea turtles alongside Jill, a seasoned Scientific Diver who has vast knowledge of the marine life in the Indian Ocean.”

Coco Collection is proud to host this initiative at Coco Bodu Hithi and looks forward to Dr. Hudgin’s visit to Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, for further collaborations to protect the endangered marine species in Maldives.

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Celebrating 25th anniversary of Rannamaari Shipwreck at Dhawa Ihuru Maldives

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Dhawa Ihuru celebrated the 25th anniversary of the iconic Rannamaari shipwreck, a key feature of their renowned house reef and a symbol of marine conservation this October. Since its sink in 1999, the Rannamaari has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life and offering unforgettable diving experiences for enthusiasts from around the world.

Dhawa Ihuru’s house reef, considered one of the best in the Maldives, is home to a vibrant haven of Maldivian marine life and is easily accessible from the shore. The Rannamaari wreck is a key attraction, offering divers a unique opportunity to explore the wreck’s colourful coral growth and the diverse species that inhabit it. The reef is also central to Dhawa Ihuru’s marine conservation initiatives, serving as a living example of how artificial reefs can support marine biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

A 25-Year Celebration Week Marathon

From 4th to 6th October, Dhawa Ihuru invited guests to join event marathon for Sunken Stories – 25 Years Beneath The Waves, a weekend of celebration, exploration, and education in honour of this milestone. Guests had the opportunity to participate in a variety of exciting activities, designed for both divers and non-divers, blending marine conservation with Maldivian exotic culture and history:

  • Exclusive Shipwreck Dives: Explore the wonders of the Rannamaari wreck through day and night dives, showcasing the vibrant marine life and coral formations.
  • Freediving to Shipwreck: Challenge yourself with a freediving experience to explore the depths of the Rannamaari wreck.
  • Shipwreck Treasure Hunt Dive: Join an exhilarating underwater treasure hunt around the historic wreck.
  • Underwater Photography Contest: Capture the beauty of the wreck and compete in our photography contest for a chance to win exciting prizes.

For those seeking cultural and creative activities, the event offered a blend of art, mindfulness and local tradition experiences:

  • Stone Carving Workshop: Learn the traditional craft of stone carving in a hands-on workshop led by a local artist.
  • Morning Yoga Sessions: Start your day with a revitalising morning yoga session, surrounded by the tranquillity of Dhawa Ihuru.
  • Marine Conservation Talk: Discover Dhawa Ihuru’s marine conservation efforts and find out how you can contribute to protecting the ocean.
  • Rannamaari Folklore Performance: Enjoy live performances of Maldivian folklore, bringing the history of the Rannamaari to life.

A Commitment to Marine Conservation

The Rannamaari shipwreck is at the heart of Dhawa Ihuru’s dedication to marine conservation. Over the past 25 years, the wreck has developed into a vibrant underwater ecosystem, supporting coral growth and a variety of marine species including batfish, moray eels, and groupers. It is a testament to the effectiveness of artificial reefs in fostering marine biodiversity and regenerating reef ecosystems.

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Maldives enforces stricter regulations for whale shark conservation and tourism

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The Government of Maldives has introduced a pivotal regulation, 2024/R-96, focused on improving whale shark interactions, underscoring the country’s commitment to marine conservation. This marks the seventh amendment to the Protected Species Regulation (2021/R-25), updating the original Code of Conduct for Whale Shark Protection and Conservation, which was first implemented in 2009.

The new policy strengthens protections for whale sharks and ensures the safety of tourists engaging with these majestic creatures. Key provisions include maintaining a safe distance—at least three metres from the body and four metres from the tail of a whale shark. Physical contact and holding onto the animals while swimming are strictly forbidden. Tourists are also required to approach the whale sharks calmly and quietly, moving only to the sides of the animal to avoid blocking or chasing them.

Additionally, the regulation bans feeding whale sharks, using flash photography, and employing selfie sticks or bright lights during interactions. For aerial photography, drones must be flown no lower than 30 metres above the water, and always within the operator’s line of sight. The regulation creates a 250-metre contact zone around whale sharks, allowing only three vessels at a time. A speed limit of five knots per hour is imposed within this zone, which drops to two knots within 50 metres of the whale shark. Emergency procedures are also outlined to prevent disturbing or obstructing the natural movements of these animals.

The regulation also sets clear guidelines for responding to injured or entangled whale sharks, requiring notification of the Environment Protection Agency and ensuring the animal’s safe release.

This new policy not only enhances the tourist experience by offering sustainable interactions with whale sharks but also preserves the delicate marine ecosystem that supports them. By enacting this regulation, the Maldives continues to lead global efforts in marine conservation, ensuring the protection of these gentle giants for future generations.

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Maldives takes a stand for ocean preservation with Victor Ma’s conservation film

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The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) has collaborated with Chinese celebrity Victor Ma and the Tiger Shark Residence, with support from the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC / Visit Maldives) and the national airline, Maldivian, to create a short film that promotes global marine conservation. Filmed on Fuvahmulah Island, this project seeks to raise awareness about biodiversity and the urgent need for ocean preservation.

Victor Ma, a 28-year-old Chinese actor, singer, and curator, gained prominence as the runner-up in the 2017 talent show “The Coming One.” Since then, he has garnered significant acclaim for his original music, energetic performances, and genuine interactions with his audience. With over 16 million fans in China, Victor wields considerable influence in the realms of film, music, and entertainment, making him a key advocate for environmental causes.

Fuvahmulah Island, situated at the southern tip of the Maldives, is renowned among divers for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine biodiversity. In the film, Victor Ma dives alongside sharks, illustrating the harmonious relationship between humans and the underwater ecosystem. These compelling visuals showcase the ocean’s natural beauty and emphasise the importance of conservation efforts. The film also includes scenes of beach cleanups, highlighting the essential role of public involvement in protecting marine ecosystems.

With support from MMPRC, Maldivian facilitated the shoot by providing domestic flights and presenting equator-crossing certificates to the production team. This partnership underscores MMPRC and Maldivian’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental protection in the Maldives.

Victor Ma’s participation in this initiative is expected to enhance global awareness of marine conservation, inspiring collective action to safeguard marine biodiversity and promote a sustainable future for the oceans.

The Maldives has long been a leader in marine conservation, implementing initiatives such as the establishment of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, coral restoration projects, beach cleanups, and the protection of marine wildlife. MMPRC is dedicated to preserving the Maldives’ unique marine environment for generations to come.

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