GAAFU DHAALU ATOLL, THE MALDIVES – Guests of the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort recently joined the Best Dives Konotta marine biologist and staff to relaunch a coral regeneration project. The previous initiative, launched in December 2015, was doing well until the El Nino effect in April raised water temperatures and negatively impacted the new growths. Marine biologist Caterina Fattori gave a presentation on global warming and its impact on coral in the Maldives on 19 August to European and Chinese guests (with live translations) from Chinese speaking dive instructor‘Vincent’ Gao Yang.

The next day guests joined Ms Fattori to connect living coral fragments that had been displaced by waves to coconut ropes. They were attached on laces then to metal frames in two areas at about 7 metres and 13 metres depth, while the round concrete bases were placed in the sandy sea floor at about 7 metres depth.Additional follow up restoration work took place on 26 and 27 August, also with guest participation.

The coral restoration project initiated by Best Dives Konotta is part of the Outrigger OZONE (Outrigger’s Zone) global marine conservation programme.Posted are images from the marine ecology presentation and coral restoration events of 19 and 20 August at the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort.

ABOUT THE OUTRIGGER KONOTTA MALDIVES RESORT

The award winning Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers guests the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives. Comprising 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and a Presidential Villa, the resort offers a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury. Captivate your senses with innovative dining concepts, the Navasana Spa, and high-end facilities. In between your diving lesson and massage, indulge in sumptuous Maldivian cuisine or a glass of white Burgundy in one of our restaurants or the comfort of your villa. As the sun sets, sample Japanese single malts at our Teppan bar while drinking in endless ocean views. Visit outriggermaldives.com

The private island of Konotta is located 211 miles (340 kilometers) to the south of Malé and conveniently accessible via a 55-minute flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a scenic 30-minute journey on a luxurious private speedboat.