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Maldives has world’s highest level of microplastic pollution, new study finds
The amount of micro plastic pollution in waters around the Maldives, a global tourist destination known for its beautiful coastline, is amongst the highest in the world and has the potential to severely impact marine life in shallow reefs and threaten the livelihoods of island communities, according to a new study.
Microplastics are pieces of plastic waste that measure less than 5 millimetres long, and due to their often microscopic size are considered invisible water pollutants. Small pieces of plastic can break down over time from plastic bottles, textiles and clothing, remain in the world’s oceans.
Marine scientists from Flinders University in Australia recorded the levels of plastic pollution in sand across 22 sites off the coast of Naifaru, the most populous island in Lhaviyani Atoll, to determine how much microplastic is present around the island. Microplastic distribution was found to be ubiquitous in the marine environment, with the results published in Science of the Total Environment journal.
Flinders University Honours student and lead researcher Toby Patti says micro plastics are highly concentrated in waters around Naifaru.
“The concentration of microplastics found on Naifaru in the Maldives (55 -1127.5 microplastics/kg) was greater than those previously found on a highly populated site at Tamil Nadu, India (3 – 611 microplastics/kg), and was a similar concentration to that found on inhabited and uninhabited islands elsewhere in the Maldives (197 -822 particles/kg),” says Patti.
“The majority of micro plastics found in our study were less than 0.4mm in width, so our results raise concerns about the potential for microplastic ingestion by marine organisms in the shallow coral reef system. The accumulation of microplastics is a serious concern for the ecosystem and the local community living off of these marine resources, and can have a negative impact on human health.”
The high levels of microplastics could have been transported by ocean currents from neighbouring countries in the Indian Ocean like India, as well as from Maldivian land reclamation policies, poor sewerage and wastewater systems.
Professor Karen Burke Da Silva says notorious ‘rubbish islands’ used as landfill sites are also contributing to the high concentration of microplastic found around the island.
“Current waste management practices in the Maldives cannot keep up with population growth and the pace of development. The small island nation encounters several challenges regarding waste management systems and has seen a 58 per cent increase of waste generated per capita on local islands in the last decade,” says Professor Burke Da Silva.
“Without a significant increase in waste reduction and rapid improvements in waste management, small island communities will continue to generate high levels of microplastic pollution in marine environments, with potential to negatively impact the health of the ecosystem, marine organisms, and local island communities.”
The researchers are now looking at the stomach content of coral reef fish to see if they have bellies full of microplastics in a follow up study.
Plastic waste is a well-documented issue in the Maldives as well, with ocean plastic regularly washing up on its pristine beaches.
Known internationally as one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, the Maldives has an abundance of dive sites with a unique underwater beauty to explore. The islands of the Maldives have consistently warm waters with outstanding visibility throughout the year, and consist of exhilarating dive sites such as vibrant thilas, exciting channels, coral-filled overhangs and fascinating wrecks.
Maldives’ world-renowned coral reefs play a fundamental role in food production, shoreline protection, and tourism revenue, but ocean plastic threatens the survival of shallow coral reefs.
Preservation of the reefs has become more important than ever. Preventing plastic pollution is key to the conservation efforts.
Maldivian authorities and the private sector have recently taken encouraging steps to phase out the use of single-use plastics.
A recent amendment to the Import Export Act will see a complete ban on the import of single-use plastics from 2021.
Meanwhile, several resorts have been transitioning to reusable toiletry bottles, biodegradable or eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws and reusable glass water bottles. They have also been collaborating with international organisations like Parley to recycle any leftover plastic.
Cover photo: Parley Maldives
PADI-Certified NASA Astronaut Brings Ocean Exploration to COMO Cocoa Island, Maldives for Exclusive Diving Event.
Luxury private island resort, COMO Cocoa Island, recently hosted an extraordinary “Island Astronaut Camp,” offering guests a unique chance to explore pristine dive sites alongside NASA astronaut and aquanaut Nicole Stott.
The event included guided reef dives at the resort’s PADI Cocoa Island Diving Centre, where Stott, who is also a PADI-certified diver, accompanied guests in discovering the wonders of the underwater world. Participants were also treated to an exclusive starlit dinner with Nicole, adding a personal touch to the experience.
The dives, part of the COMO Journey of Universe Under the Ocean, were led by PADI instructors and took guests to two stunning reefs: Shambhala Reef and Bay Reef. Divers encountered an impressive variety of marine life, including blacktip reef sharks, napoleon wrasse, hawksbill and green sea turtles, moray eels, oriental sweetlips, giant clams, clark anemonefish, cleaner shrimp, bannerfish, lionfish, butterflyfish, and Maldivian anemonefish.
Shambhala Reef, known for its vibrant coral formations on a sloping reef top, is located between the resort’s arrival jetty and a nearby sandbank. Bay Reef, situated in a 12-meter-deep lagoon, boasts a thriving coral garden and coral propagation frames. Both reefs provided breathtaking backdrops for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced adventurers.
As part of a captivating COMO Conversation event, veteran NASA astronaut Nicole Stott shared fascinating stories from her 104 days in space across two NASA missions. She discussed the rigorous training astronauts undergo and highlighted the surprising similarities between space exploration and deep-sea diving. Stott also spoke about her time aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and her underwater living experience in the Aquarius habitat, further emphasising the deep connection between the ocean and space.
Just a 40-minute speedboat ride from the capital, Male, COMO Cocoa Island offers 33 luxurious overwater villas, the PADI Cocoa Island Dive Centre, and holistic wellness treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat. Whether diving with PADI experts or enjoying wellness therapies, COMO Cocoa Island provides the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the Maldives.
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has confirmed the official opening of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives on 1st November 2024, as scheduled. This underwater world-themed resort marks a significant step in the company’s growth strategy, becoming Centara’s third property in the Maldives and the fourth in its family-oriented Mirage brand portfolio.
Located within The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts—a multi-island paradise offering exclusive access to two Centara properties—the resort promises endless fun for families. Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives, the brand’s fourth Maldives venture, is set to open in early 2025. At Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, guests can immerse themselves in the resort’s expansive water park, featuring a lazy river, swimming pools, kids’ pool, and water playground. The resort also boasts a vibrant kids’ club, the innovative child-focused Candy Spa, and the renowned Spa Cenvaree, all designed to create lasting family memories.
The resort’s opening aligns with Centara’s “Future Growth” strategy announced earlier this year. With construction completed, the final touches are being added to welcome guests in the brand’s signature warm and gracious manner. This new property highlights Centara’s ongoing commitment to expanding its family-centric hospitality offerings while delivering world-class experiences in top travel destinations.
Be among the first to experience Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives, where special introductory offers await. Guests can enjoy complimentary stays and meals for up to two children aged 15 and under, as well as free roundtrip speedboat transfers between Male airport and the resort. CentaraThe1 members will also receive an extra 15% discount. This exclusive ‘Me & Centara’ promotion runs until 20th December 2024, for stays between 1st November 2024 and 31st October 2025. Guests who complete their stay by 20th December 2024 will also receive a voucher for a complimentary return stay of the same duration between May and September next year.
Celebration
Celebrate Oktoberfest in paradise: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi hosts week-long festivities with exclusive offers
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi invites guests to join its vibrant Oktoberfest celebration, running from September 25th to October 2nd, 2024. Set against the stunning Maldives backdrop, this week-long event promises a memorable experience packed with festive activities, mouthwatering culinary delights, and lively entertainment. Alongside the festivities, an exclusive limited-time offer is available.
The celebration kicks off on September 25th with a Beachside BBQ, where a live band will bring the perfect Oktoberfest atmosphere to the shores. The excitement continues on September 26th with a Sundown DJ Beach Party, followed by the Oktoberfest Beer Festival at Water’s Edge Bar on September 28th, featuring live music and a performance by DJ Watte. On September 29th, guests can cool down at the Oktoberfest Pool Party at Fluid, complete with a special “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” beer offer. The festivities conclude with a delectable Street Lobster BBQ on October 2nd.
Exclusive Website Offer
In celebration of both Oktoberfest and the upcoming Halloween season, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is offering a special limited-time deal. Guests can enjoy up to 30% off on all villa categories, complimentary Guided Nemo Snorkeling, a 50% discount on seaplane transfers, 20% off on spa treatments, 10% off on watersports activities, and 30% off on private destination dining experiences. Additionally, two children (up to 15 years old) can stay and dine for free on the same meal plan as their parents. Exclusive discounts on Wine Cellar dinner experiences are also available. This offer is valid for bookings made by October 28th, 2024, for stays through October 31st, 2025.
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