thila-male coral relocation project

Between March and April 2022 we organised and lead the Coral Relocation project involved in the Greater Male’ Connectivity agreement between the Maldivian Government and Afcons Infrastructure Limited. Due to the ambitious plan of building a bridge connecting 4 islands, one of the necessary mitigation measures is to relocate corals from the impacted areas to a safe one.

During the Male-Thila Coral Relocation project, corals have been moved from Villimale’, Ghuli Falhu and Thilafushi islands to Villimale’ Restoration Site.

Before starting the Relocation, a full and detailed survey was carried out to highlight the areas with the highest coral cover, those became Active Relocation Areas.

During the survey time, 100 hexagon web-steel frames were realised and placed in the Restoration Site.

A team of divers and snorkelers worked for 10 days, with hammer and chisel, to move as many colonies as possible!

Once on the Site, the colonies have been attached to the empty web-steel frames using cable ties. The massive and encrusting colonies have been attached to the bottom using marine epoxy.

Behind any coral relocation project, there is big logistic work and a huge team effort!

We want to thank everyone who took part in this challenging and fulfilling experience!