Anantara Dhigu (and Veli) Conduct Starfish Removal and Control Programme

Four researchers cum marine biologists from the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) were hosted by Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli Resorts in South Male Atoll, Maldives between the 26th October and 1st of November 2015. The team of experts along with expert divers residing in Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives at the time, plunged deep in order to conduct a Starfish Control and Removal programme known as SCAR. While the team enjoyed diving in Maldives, their task was far more demanding. The team of experts led by Chief Scientist Dr Andrew Bruckner, successfully completed a programme that consisted of three components; the removal of the coral reef predator Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS), quantitative reef surveys and data analysis. As the scientists involved in the programme suggested, it is important that the public becomes aware of coral reef predators such as the Crown of Thorns Starfish and get involved in effective ways of controlling the harm they cause to the stunning corals in the waters of the Maldives.