How coral reefs are saving the Maldives

Claire Turrell joined a team of marine biologists to find out more about an innovative new scheme that could be the island nation’s saving grace

The coral regeneration project hopes to recreate a vibrant ecosystem for local sea-life (Photos Gili Lankfanfushi)

Marine biologist Tiana Wu kicked her legs and dove further towards the coral on the ocean floor. She had seen one of the Maldives’s unique sea creatures and wanted to share the experience. I followed her trail of bubbles through the cerulean-coloured water.

Neon parrot fish, painterly Picasso trigger fish and tiny monochrome domino fish danced around the coral beneath me. Amid the busy scene, Wu’s gloved finger pointed in the direction of a six-inch long pipe fish camouflaged against the rocks.

Yes, the pipe fish was indeed a marvel, but my attention was snatched away by the backdrop of white, dead coral that surrounded it.