MARINE LIFE IDENTIFICATION PROGRAMME 2023

From the 11th to the 18th of June, we had the pleasure of working with Perfect Wave Travel and Maldives Surf Charters, following them on a great trip where we explore and introduce the Maldivian underwater world to the grade 8th from the College Alpin Beau Soleil from Switzerland.

Cruising around the atolls of Malè North and Malè South we taught them how to identify coral reef fishes and macro-invertebrates, and we showed them different coral growth forms.

Using underwater slates, they counted the specific indicators and produced valuable data while snorkelling on our beautiful reefs.

Finally, yet importantly, we explained the history and origin of our Country and the many challenges our reefs are facing. Together we identified different impacts on the coral reef and while snorkelling we counted and characterised them.

At the end of the activities the students received a certification to accredit their efforts and hard work: they successfully completed STBM “Marine Life Identification Programme”!!!

On the last day, we visited the school on Gulhi Island, where we met with some students and teachers.

We got to learn more about the school and its struggles and the students from the College Alpin Beacu Soleil donated some books and school items to help and support the structure.

The enthusiasm and curiosity of these students made the cruise an amazing trip! We are confident they will bring the acquired knowledge with them and they will look at the reef with new eyes!

We thank the team from Perfect Wave and the boats’ crew for the incredible help and support, and all the staff from the College who looked after the students during all the activities.