In South Male Atoll, approximately 24 Km from Male Capital, a small, lush island stands at the edge of an enormous blue lagoon. It is Gulhifushi, nicknamed Alcatraz in the 80s’ for its wild nature. Alcatraz was a paradise for divers and snorkelers from all over the world. Senior tourists and local fisherman still recall arriving by a small coconut shell (dhingy), gearing up and spending hours in this rich underwater world.
Alcatraz’s turquoise waters hid below its surface an ancient ecosystem, a textured and colorful coral reef, teemed with life. In a complex relationship, coral algae and protein pigments created an underwater kaleidoscope, reflecting light in purple, blue, green and red. Within this magical world, there was an unimaginable marine diversity dense with life forms. It was a wonder; it was the rainforest of the sea. Schools of giant trevally and barracudas were hunting on the reef. Sea turtles, majestic eagle rays and stingrays peacefully cruising around. Corals, sponges and gorgonians harmoniously co-existing. A flag, raised up in the sapphire sky, signaled the time to go back to life, back to reality.
Divers recall the explosion of colors and life, that no words can fully describe, and no cameras can fully capture. This was before the climate crisis, before the numerous bleaching events that slowly and inevitable have led to the destruction of almost 70% of the coral reef, turning it into a hidden desert; an empty, lunar landscape.
Maldivian coral reefs support more species than any other marine ecosystem. Countless numbers of creatures rely on them for their survival, including us. And yet, they are at serious risk of extinction. As the Indian Ocean waters warm, the corals bleach. When this happens, they lose their algae, and their main source of food, and turn white in color. As results, corals die. Fish, sharks and sea turtles disappear.
IPCC, the global authority on climate science, has estimated that a temperature increase of 1.5 C compared to pre-industrial times will lead to the death of 70 - 90 percent of coral reefs. At 2C, probably 99 percent of the world coral reefs will disappear, if we don’t reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
But we are far from powerless in the face of this global threat. Almost forty years later, scientists and marine biologists thousands of miles from home, lead with strength, empathy and purpose, actions to restore and protect Alcatraz’ coral reef. It is not a job; it’s a mission and every small action count. The goal is to assist the coral reef recovery, bringing back its colors.
Coral farmers nurture “super-corals”, small fragments of heat-resistant coral species essential for the health of the reef and in providing habitat for marine life. In less than a year, the super corals grow. Once they reach the perfect size, marine biologists plant them on the reef, stimulating the recovery of the area. Just like a magic trick, life return. In the right conditions, unimaginable colors and textures, fish, sea turtle, nudibranch, crustaceans and many other animals, reappear.
Everyone can be part of this mission, from local community islands to fishermen and tourists. Everyone can become a citizen scientist and consciously choose to have a positive impact through a small, meaningful action, by planting a super coral. Anyone can help bringing back the colors of the coral reef.
Since 2023, the beginning of this mission, 2,630 international volunteers have spent approximately 2,245 hours underwater farming an astonishing 12,979 super corals of 24 different species. A year later, coral reef surveys reported a 37% increase in coral cover and a 22% increase in biodiversity, associated to a 56% increment in megafauna sightings, including sea turtles, sharks, eagle rays, sting rays, napoleon wrasses and dolphins.
Together, marine biologist and citizen scientists can still deal with the underwater consequences of the climate crisis – one super coral, one color at a time.
Posted 04/09/2025
