KUNAHANDHOO SNORKEL

Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of leading a fun community snorkeling with 20 enthusiastic students, teachers, and parents from Kunahandhoo Island in Laamu Atoll. After a short boat ride, we jumped in at Laama Faru Haa - a popular snorkel spot in the atoll known for its vibrant fish life and abundance of hawksbill sea turtles.

Guided by 6 of the MUI team, the participants encountered 3 of our regular hawksbills: Ava, Roanna and Ugg! Before jumping in, the team provided a quick safety briefing and highlighted some of the unique marine life they might see! The ORP team also gave a brief introduction to their sea turtle photo-ID project and even got a few of the students involved in identifying some of the turtles from the snorkel.

Although some participants were initially nervous, this experience helped to build their confidence in the water and brought them a little bit closer to the incredible marine world of their atoll. It is through in-water community activities such as this, that we are able to inspire community members to be active in local marine conservation.