Importance of Kuredu’s Seagrass Meadows

24 May, 2022

Kuredu Resort boasts an enviable location, not just in the Lhaviyani Atoll but in the whole of the Maldives – the nations largest population of green sea turtles lives on the reefs around the island.

The crystal clear waters surrounding Kuredu Resort Maldives have white, sugar-soft sand and lush, thriving seagrass meadows beneath them – a sanctuary that is abundant with life, making the diving and snorkelling at the resort incredible.

In the sunlight the emerald green of the seagrass is mesmerising as it gently sways with the wave movement, and when snorkelling or diving above it, it can seem as if there is a mini enchanted forest beneath you, full of fascinating creatures.

The best locations to spot the turtles

Seagrass meadows are important ecosystems in the Maldives, not only do they prevent beach erosion, they provide a nursery ground for numerous fish species and food for endangered green sea turtles which eat up to an astonishing 2kg of seagrass per day.

Lhaviyani Atoll is home to large, healthy seagrass meadows and, thanks to these, the Maldives’ largest community of green sea turtles thrive here. Marine biology studies have shown that Kuredu’s 4 hectares of seagrass supports a green sea turtle population of 76 individuals!

Despite the many benefits of seagrass meadows, globally, like coral reefs, they are under threat by dredging, trawling, pollution and even removal. Turtles are much-loved by our snorkelers and divers and it’s important to realise that we have the seagrass meadows to thank for the numerous sightings we have of these endangered creatures. Maintaining this healthy seagrass meadow aids not only the survival of our marine life but also protects Kuredu’s beautiful beaches.

Be sure to pay our seagrass meadows a visit during your stay with us – join the Kuredu Turtle Search with Marine Biologist or explore with your snorkel buddy.

Since November 2017 Kuredu has hosted a sea turtle biologist. The marine biologist works for the ‘Olive Ridley Project (ORP)’, a sea turtle conservation organisation. The mission of ORP is to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education and outreach. The work carried out on Kuredu is a big part of this conservation effort.

Emily, the resident marine biologist, monitors the turtle population around Kuredu and in the rest of the Lhaviyani Atoll using photo identification. By recording sightings of turtles and the behaviour around humans, she provides a data set which can help in understanding more about the turtles’ biology in the Maldives. Since Kuredu is also a nesting site for green turtles, the marine biologist also monitors the turtle nests and assists the hatchlings if necessary. The data recorded by Emily is crucial to implementing laws protecting these endangered marine reptiles in the Maldives.

If your interest has been sparked and you want to learn more about what Emily and the Olive Ridley Project do please visit Olive Ridley Project