06/10/2025
Our coral restoration team has resumed the search for pregnant corals across the reefs of Huvadhu Atoll, Maldives, as the annual coral spawning season begins — stretching from October to December. 🌅 During this magical period, various coral species release eggs and s***m, and our larval-based reef restoration team works to give nature a helping hand by collecting coral gametes, rearing larvae for several days, and releasing them into degraded reef areas to boost coral recovery and resilience. 🌱🐠
This initiative is part of the project “Empowering Community-led Reef Restoration and Prioritization in the Maldives,” led by Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison of Southern Cross University 🇦🇺, and funded by the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform 🌍.
Under the same project, PhD candidate Nizam Ibrahim of Southern Cross University is studying innovative ways to enhance larval-based reef restoration in Huvadhu Atoll — advancing science-driven solutions to rebuild coral ecosystems. 🔬🌿
A core strength of this project lies in community engagement. 🤝 Trained local divers from Rathafandhoo actively take part in fieldwork, gaining hands-on experience in safe diving and coral larval restoration techniques — empowering island communities to become stewards of their own reefs. 💪🏝️