The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has announced the arrival of the first green sea turtle hatchlings of the season, celebrating yet another successful year of sea turtle conservation at the resort.
Maamunagau, Raa Atoll, is an important nesting site for sea turtles. The island reported six nests this year, mostly green sea turtles.
Nesting can occur throughout the year in the Maldives but the high season in Raa Atoll is June and July.
First wild hatchlings hatch
The first hatchlings of the season emerged in the evening of 22 July, two months after the laying of their nests.
The birth of the babies is a major milestone for the Marine Biology team at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for lucky guests who witness it.
In nesting season, the resort’s Marine Biology team follows research protocols and monitors the nests on a regular basis.
The work and observations of the team further add to the science of sea turtles and their nesting and breeding patterns.
Maldives Green Sea Turtles Protection
They are found in the waters of the Maldives, and are protected species. Each nesting in the country is vital for the survival of the species.
That said, every green sea turtle that has been recorded nesting in Maamunagau adds to the growing body of research on the species by the resort’s Marine Biology team.
The nesting season is a perfect time for the team to monitor activity, and for the resort to participate in conservation of the beautiful green sea turtles.
Cooperating with Conservation Organizations
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort works in partnership with several conservation organizations to protect the local sea turtles and other wildlife.
The Manta Trust works alongside the resort to help and undertake the necessary research on the marine species visiting the area, while the Olive Ridley Project also helps with conservation.
The information collected allows us to find ways of protecting the ecosystem of the region and also contributes to the understanding of the migratory patterns of the species.
Ethical Animal Encounters
As the hatchlings emerge the guests of the resort are treated to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with the marine wildlife of the region.
That said, visitors should be aware that the observation of the little swimsuits must be done carefully and with consideration for the welfare of the young turtles.
It is recommended to keep a safe and sufficient distance from the hatchlings and not to apply artificial lighting on them.
This is because the lights can interfere with the turtles’ natural instinct by not allowing them to get to the sea.
Connecting Guests to the Marine Environment
Marine conservation activities at the resort are focused primarily on research and protection, but also aim to educate guests about the wonders of the surrounding ecosystem.
This is complemented by work from organizations such as The Manta Trust, giving guests at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort the opportunity to interact responsibly with the local wildlife.
From the hatching of the green sea turtle hatchlings to the extensive range of marine activities available at the resort, those who want to visit the Maamunagau islands have a golden opportunity to get up close and personal with the incredible wildlife of Maldives as well as learn and appreciate the beauty of the ocean’s creatures and their natural environments.
Lasting Legacies in Conservation
The nesting season is ongoing and InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort will continue to monitor with the first hatchlings of the season marking another step in the resort’s continued contribution to marine conservation.
The Maldives is one of the most important nesting sites for green turtles so ensuring the species continues to thrive is even more important.
