Baros Maldives’ marine biology team works tirelessly to combat the detrimental effects of coral bleaching caused by El Niño, a climate pattern responsible for above-average sea surface temperatures in parts of the Pacific Ocean. During the 2016 El Niño event, they successfully relocated coral frames to deeper waters, which are thriving today as part of the world-class Baros house reef.
The ocean is Earth’s largest solar energy collector and plays a crucial role in climate stabilisation by absorbing and releasing heat. While sunlight is the primary heat source, industrial activities have significantly increased greenhouse gas levels, intensifying the ocean’s energy absorption. Despite the natural distribution of heat through waves, tides and currents, the ocean is unable to dissipate all the absorbed energy, leading to rising sea temperatures.
The rapid increase in water temperature poses a severe threat to marine life. Coral reefs in particular are vulnerable, with many colonies facing death. Corals, which are colonial organisms made up of polyps, live symbiotically with microalgae which provide nourishment and colour through photosynthesis. However, stress causes the microalgae to leave, resulting in coral bleaching. During this state, corals rely solely on suspended particles for nourishment.
In April 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed a repeat of the 2016 warming event. Our oceans are currently experiencing their fourth global bleaching event, and while manual protection of reefs from heat is impossible, coral restoration projects offer a viable solution.
Drawing from past successes, the Baros marine biology team has once again relocated existing coral frames to deeper areas of the house reef. Over 100 frames, created by guests over the past five years, have been moved and are currently being monitored. It is anticipated that by the end of July 2024, the heatwave will dissipate in cooler ocean areas, with a successful rainy season further alleviating stress on the coral colonies.
As well as coral relocation, the Baros team creates artificial coral nurseries, where coral fragments grow undisturbed on hard substrates, encouraging coral cloning, and are then transplanted to degraded reef areas to aid regeneration. Baros remains committed to preserving and protecting the island’s reefs, striving to ensure a sustainable and vibrant marine ecosystem for future generations.
The Baros Eco Explorer package invites guests to contribute to safeguarding our precious marine ecosystem, led by Baros’s resident marine biologist.
