MANGROVE FOREST

CONSERVATION

The Maldives Atolls support an astounding 15 mangrove plant species of the 17 species reported from atolls in the Indian Ocean. Locally referred to as “Khuli”, mangroves are known to grow on at least 150 of the Maldivian islands, primarily in the northern and southern atolls. These trees protect Maldivian islands, fight climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and provide a home for endangered seabirds, fish, sharks and rays. 

Across the world, mangroves are threatened and estimates suggesting they are being lost at an annual rate of 1%. In the Maldives, mangrove forests are at risk from coastal development to accommodate tourism expansion. 

Mangroves are found on four islands on Laamu Atoll: Hithadhoo, Gan, Maabaidhoo and Gaadhoo but little is known about them. In 2019, BLUE and Six Senses Laamu characterized these forests and recorded the mangrove species found there as well as local fish communities.

Our research thus far has identified 32 fish species including commercially important reef fish such as snappers, groupers and emperors. This is the first time anyone in the Maldives has documented fish species composition of mangrove forests. The presence of juveniles identified demonstrated the importance of mangroves as a nursery habitat for fish, sharks and rays. During surveys, we identified one species of grouper that has never before been recorded in the Maldives!