Maldivian Diver

Corals

2010-06-22T11:19:00.003+05:00

Coral Bleaching in the Maldives.

There is a lot of talk about coral bleaching happening in the Maldives.

I was in Huvadhu Atoll last week and went snorkeling and diving. Had a good look at the reefs and did find coral bleaching on several spots.

As in this picture You see one bleached coral on top of one that is not bleached
There where lots of scattered bleached corals on the reef on different depths and in mostly individual corals I did not see large patches of bleached corals as in 1998.

More like this a bunch of healthy corals and a single bleached coral in there
As this one to....

And this one a big table coral with a bleached branching coral on its base

As you can see this is about 2 meters depth the branching coral is in the table corals shadow.....

I had a temperature gauge and the water temperature was close to 31C (30.7C) in 3 meters depth.
during my period there I had a beautiful sunny day and a day clouded with rain, the rainy season had started and there was a western wind. The locals informed me that there was a few weeks of good weather and calm seas so UV influence might have a part of it as well. But the bleaching is over a wide variation of depth.
In deferent locations.

Overall the reef is healthy and if the temperature drops I believe it will recover fully.

Time flies...

2010-04-12T11:53:00.001+05:00

Yeah it does

What topics shall I write about?

I have some ideas and will try this out give me some time to polish them up and I will come back here soon.

Finally????

2010-04-12T11:49:00.002+05:00

Gee I looked at my blog and I did not realize I have not posted since 2008 , two years ago...

Man what does time fly....

Will see if I can get some time to write again

28th March 2008

2008-03-29T22:08:00.000+05:00

We all had a good night sleep. There is somthing in favour for staying
inside well protected harbour.
We sailed for an hour before the dive and that was a strange one. The
currents where all over the place. We noticed we ae more up north the
fish live is good but the coral is not as good as in Huvadu Atoll.

Sailed on to Meemu Atol and did a dive near Kurali Island there was an
out going current but the vis was good this time cruised over a sandy
bottom with lots of garden eels sticking there heads up in the current
and disappearing as soon as we approached. Turned to get back at the
reef wall and that had a lot of fish live and variation. Tried to snap
to large box fish but they stayed out of range.

Had an hour dive everybody enjoyed it.

Sailed on to the Norh of Meemu and anchored near Mulaku Kandu and did
a late afternoon dive it was already twilight underwater and a lot of
murray eels where pocking there heads up out of there holes. The where
easy to photograph. The current was here strange also but it was a
very interesting dive.

27th March 2008

2008-03-28T21:23:00.001+05:00

We reached Laamu Atll this early morning and did a dive on the outside
reef. Was very nice.
You can immediately see the difference. In landscape and fish live.
There was plenty of corals but nor so abundant as in Ghaafu Alif /
Gaafu Dhaal.

We did two more dives in the channels the second one was with a nice
strong current in to the Atoll and we used our reef hooks to stay in
the current. and waited for some sharks but they did not come. There
was plenty of other big fish large Barracudas Large groupers and jack
fish.
But no Sharks.

After the third dive we kept moving to Thaa Atoll because we got low
on fuel and the captain wonted to refill and that could only be done
in Thaa Atoll. We spent the night in the Habour of Thaa Guraidhoo.

26th March 2008

2008-03-27T21:19:00.000+05:00

What a day......

We dived an other new site Hadahaa Thila. It was a marvelous place
great corals again black coral table corals and even soft corals.
Loads of fish as well and lots of anemones with the little Nemo's.

I got some real good pictures
.

25th March 2008

2008-03-26T09:47:00.000+05:00

Today we used the diving dhoni to travel to the dive sites. The boat
needed repairs and will stay in Thinadhoo Lagoon.

First dive was not so good I jumped in the wrong spot and the current
us across the channel over damaged corals when we reached the channel
entrance the coral was good again and there where some giant
Barracudas and a very big school of small ones.

23th March 2008

2008-03-26T09:23:00.000+05:00

Today we started sailing back to Thinadhoo, we did an early morning
dive on Kuredu kandu, north of Nilandu .

It gets a bit of a repetition but the diving is good here great coral
cover and schools of fish.

After morning dive started sailing back to Thinadhoo. Tomorrow one
guest has to fly back to Male. So we need to be back on the east side.
On the way did an new reef which was very nice. Got some good shotsof
black coral.Jumped quick on the island to walk on the beach.
Sailed on in the east direction and reached Thinadhoo in the early
afternoon.
Went to the channel and did our last dive.
Current was outgoing so vis was a bit disturbed but it was a great
dive again. lots of fish and again good corals. A large green turtle
was resting under a big carl block and swam away when he noticed us.
He was big.

Had a walk around Thinadhoo in the evening did some shopping.

23th March 2008

2008-03-26T09:17:00.000+05:00

Today we started sailing back to Thinadhoo, we did an early morning
dive on Kuredu kandu, north of Nilandu .

It gets a bit of a repetition but the diving is good here great coral
cover and schools of fish.

After morning dive started sailing back to Thinadhoo. Tomorrow one
guest has to fly back to Male. So we need to be back on the east side.
On the way did an new reef which was very nice and jumped quick on the
island to walk on the beach.

22nd March 2008

2008-03-22T22:31:00.001+05:00

This was along and satisfying day.

We did three good dives first one was Nilandu Chanel north with a good
current coming in and there where some sharks, grey reef and white
tip. Coral cover was great and big schools of fish. I saw 2 eagle rays
passing over.
Second dive was an easer one the current had died down a bit and a lot
of fish again a family of Napoleon and again great coral cover. After
the dive we sailed with the dive dhoni to Hadahaa for lunch we had a
look around on the resort and where served a splendid lunch in boobs
cafe. There was a big choice of food and we all eat to much. We toke
a little siesta before diving. We sailed 15 minutes to the east to a
shallow reef and did a real easy dive there no current and not to
deep. The coral cover and variation was phenomenal with a lot of small
fish this was a real nursery for a lot of fish.

We where back on the safari boat at about 17.00 hrs.

We relaxed a bit and at night time the crew had organized a Bodu Beru
group to come on the boat.
This was a nice demonstration of some locale music / culture.

21st March 2008

2008-03-21T21:42:00.000+05:00

Today we had along day. Started early and did 3 dives today and sailed
from Kalhuhudhoo to Nilando.
The weather is fine today whole day sun shine the wind is still there
but it became much less strong. We sailed outside the atoll and one
person remarked " it is the first time I am sailing outside the atoll
and it is calmer outside than inside the atoll.

Everybody is satisfied we had good diving today with a lot of good
corals and a variation of fish.

during the sailing we had a little mishap the water intake from hte
main engine became blocked and the engine got hot but it did not have
any permanent damage and after a while the engine cooled down, we put
new water and sailed on.

Over night at Nilandu.

20th March 2008

2008-03-20T21:33:00.000+05:00

Well this day started ok, the wind was a bit down and w e dived early
morning.
I made sure we went behind the island so the sea was calm and we did
get in and out easy.
It was not a super dive but considering the weather it was good no
great corals but we had some turtles and a lot of fusilier, and other
reef fish so all in all a satisfactory dive.

The captain still did not wont to sail out because to much waves. so
we stayed in the harbour.
during the day the wind did calm down a little bit and we dived again
in the afternoon and where in the water by 15.00 hrs. slight current
from south to north. got some sharks and a stingray. After a while we
came by a beautiful block of coral full of young glass fish. That was
a good photo point. A big jack was hunting so very excited.

when back on the boat I discovered I lost my 16 mm lens and that is
really a loss. I like that lens it made good pictures because you can
come very close and still get a lot in there. I am very sad.

20th March 2008

2008-03-19T23:30:00.000+05:00

We started early this morning I woke the crew up at 6.30 to start to
sail to the east side of the atoll to go to the channels to see some
big fish.

It started out ok but during the trip it became very rough the winds
where very strong.
The captain found an anchorage near a small Island called
Araigaththaa. And we wonted to go for a dive but the weather did not
let us, it became dark and a rain shower passed over us. It was not
long and when it passed over we decided to go for the dive.
We got on the dhoni and just as we where sailing away a second rain
shower hit us this was really a strong one. The visibility was gone we
and we stayed stationary for about 15 minutes to wait for the rain to
pass us and we toke off to the channel.

Outside the sea was a bit calmer but there was still a swell to reckon
with. We started a bit on the outside of the channel because the
current was coming in. I excepted big fish and sharks etc. That I was
told by other dive guides. but we where very unlucky there was non,
well I saw one small white tip, two big barracudas but not the groups
I was told would be there. I did take some nice pictures of a school
of glass fish.

We held on to the reef to see if maybe the sharks where a bit shy but
to no luck.

After the dive we ascended and we where in big waves again, we all got
out and went back to the safari boat.
As soon as we returned the captain wonted to go to a safe anchorage
because the weather is bad the wind is strong and there are to many
waves. so we sailed a bit more south and anchored in the harbour of
Kaduhulhudhoo.

Because of the swell we had a late lunch and afterwards we had a walk
around the island. Had a kurumba went to a local shop where we bought
some spices for cooking later back home.

Had a sandwich for diner which was very nice and sat talking.
Everybody agreed that it was the right decision to get in to a save
place at least we and the crew can get a good sleep.

Checked the weather forecast, this looks that it gets better coming
so we hope to get some diving still.
even now the wind is very strong and it feels that is picking up even
more.

Will let you know tomorrow.

Day 2

2008-03-18T21:53:00.000+05:00

Started early in the morning on a thilla inside the Atoll for the
first dive / check dive.
Some of the dives had new wetsuits and needed 8 kg to get down and we
are a bit low on weights.

I don't like the bcd's with integrated weights. to many times the
pouch with weights falls unnoticed and we get an uncontrolled ascent.
The clips are to easy loosened even if you put them in correctly. I
still like the old fashon weight belt.....

Second dive we did on a channel but the current was out going but
very slight. The corals where really great and easy to go with and see
a lot. The table corals where really big and variation was god.

Arrived on Noah Safari Boat in Huvadu Atoll

2008-03-18T10:04:00.000+05:00

It was a long day for me .
First I pick one pax up at 12.30 in the morning from the airport. Put
him in a hotel.
The hotel w booked for him had no room for him but they managed to
find him a room in an other Guesthouse.

So after a short night I went to pick him up to get the other pax from
there flight. They arrived and went straight on to the domestic
terminal to catch the flight to Kadedhoo in Huvadu atoll or Ghaaf
Dhaalu Atoll.

It was an uneventful flight and we arrived on time. Two crew where at
the arrival terminal to pick us up. After a short wait and collecting
our luggage we went to the sea side and boarded the diving dhoni. That
was a nice big boat and there are only six of us diving so plenty of
space for everybody.

We sailed to the Noah that was still anchored near Tinadhoo. The
supplies where coming and the laundry was collected.

At 17.00 hrs we sailed out of the lagoon to a near by small island to
stay over night.

We are al to tired from the traveling so we did not do a dive jet but
we made everything ready. We are with only 6 people so we have a room
for us own and that is great plenty of space ad privacy.
The boat has a real nice top deck that is covered with a shade with a
big table . It is blowing a bit to much so we are sitting at the table
at the back where the meals are served.
The coffee brought with us is being put to good use. There is a nice
coffee plunger in the kitchen so we can get our caffein fix on time.

We all like the boat its nice cosy. Tomorrow morning early up for the
check dive.

Preparing

2008-03-10T12:53:00.003+05:00

I am preparing my next trip op Noah Safari Boat with my friends

It is a small boat but with friends it will be a cosy.

I will keep you updated of the tip.

My Under Water Photo's

2007-05-07T14:14:00.000+05:00

Well Dear Friends,
I prommissed to keep you updated of my safari and i didn't do that. Sorry but I had problems to get internet access while on safari and have come back I was swammped in work to get up to date.

I have created a Photo Album online you all can visit and see my pictures and if you wont. http://www.thebigpicturelibrary.com/MaldivianDiver

At the moment I a experimenting with my camera's and external lenses. I am trying to use my 20mm and 16mm lenses from my Motor marine II. I have made an adapter myself because it toke a long time to get the one that Sea&Sea is making. Finaly I did get the adapter and now I am trying to find out which one workes best.

Will keep you informed through this blogg.

forth day 22 March 2007

2007-03-26T12:10:00.002+05:00

6.30 wake up call for the first dive of the day. We where still
anchored near Vlingili and we planned the first dive on Maamendhu
corner. The currents where in to the atoll so we expected some big
fish and good visibility. We had a good dive briefing and went on our
way. We jumped in en went down and got swept away by the current is
was very strong a bit of a suprise but we managed well. It was a bit
tumbling around in the beginning but we settle in the current and
just let us float with it. The visibility was good but the big fish
and sharks didi not show up. I think the water temperature was to
high for them my computer showed 31C . Dive time a bit shorter as
well so rather quick back on the Kiris and had a good breakfast.
This time the sun was up and shining well so there was a bit of
hustling on the deck to find a spot in the shade, not long the
weakest people went to the rooms in the aircon the wind was very
slight so it became very hot on deck.

Second dive we did at Kuredu corner this was south of Maamendu and
this was a great dive the current had slacked a bit the visibility
was very good about 20 - 25 mtrs and good for photography also we
good enjoy it more because we where more in control.
Made the hour for the dive and everybody was happy .

the third dive was planed on Nilandoo Corner, when the dive Master
checked the current he found out that the current was out going and
the visibility was very poor and the reef did not look so nice. SO we
went back to the Kuredu Corner and did this spot again. Strangely on
this side of the channel the current was incoming and the vis was
good so we had a very enjoyable dive, we went to the channel bottom
again and swam to the middle but there the current was pushing us out
and down so we turned around back to the reef edge. There we found a
nice leave fish and I could get some very nice pictures of it.

back to the boat ......It becomes a routine now Dinner back to the
deck and star gazing.

second day 20 March 2007

2007-03-26T12:09:00.001+05:00

We got up at 6.30 after a rather hot night the aircon was not working
well. We had to do our first dive this would be our check dive at the
same time. After the briefing we all went in and check our weights
etc. And we had a beautiful slow drift dive, There was a slight in
coming current and we had a lot of marine live.

On our fist dive we had a turtle and sharks that was a real thrill.

The second dive of the day we dived on an other channel , Maabadu
Kandu and this time the current was outgoing so the visibility was
not so good. and we had a beginner with us for her first dive so we
stayed shallow and let us drift out to the corner. When we reached
the corner the vis cleared up and there was a beautiful coral carpet
there was a large variety corals and colors. And what do you know
out of the deep from the blue a huge Manta came to us I made lots of
pictures and even a small video, to prove it to everybody.

For the afternoon dive we sailed about 2hrs down south and the main
boat anchored there on a spot near the channel to leave in the
morning. The third dive was not so eventful only that the dive ladder
broke when one heavy guy climbed on board. The crew will try to fix
this tomorrow when we are near an island that has a work shop.

We had a great dinner and went to bed early we are all tired.

2007-03-17T11:12:00.001+05:00

Dear readers

I am preparing my trip to the south of the
Maldives. Monday morning I am flying to Laamu
Atoll with my friends to do a diving safari. The
plan is to meet the boat in Laamu atol and than
sail to Suvadive and than from there sailing back
to Malé. We will explore the underwater world.
Some uninhabited Island and a Bird Island.

By this blog I will keep you all up to date.

Keep diving.

Maldives Safarie

2006-05-30T11:51:00.000+05:00

Have been on safarie in the Maldives for a two week trip, Diving and sailing. It is the best way to see the Maldives. Went up North on MV Carina. It was a good trip we had many nationaleties on board, Dutch, German, Belgium and Italian. This was a nice mix from young to old. most of the people on board where divers and we did 3 dives a day. That is a great way to pas the holidays. During the week we had strong currents and I expected a lot of sharks but we where not so luky, the water temperatuur was rather warm and that kept them deeper than we could go. But the dives where still great. we did see a lot of other marine live.

The facileties on the boat are great there is a nice bar and a lounge area and a large sundeck with a shade as well a open sun deck for those whom wont to backe in the sun.

We had a nice beach BBQ organised by the crew with real fresh fish, well you might think going diving to look at the fish and eat them at night......

But we all had a great time.

Maldives Tsunami

2005-01-31T17:36:00.000+05:00

Today it was on the news that the Maldives had not received any financial help from any of the donor countries.
We here are afraid that due to the scale of destruction in the other countries, Maldives will be forgotten.

In the Maldives 33% of the population is direct affected by the Tsunamie and a majority of them are living in tents or by family on other Islands.

The tourisme is gone down to 50% of the normal visiters what is a zecond blow to the country due to loss of income. Lots of people think that it is not a good idea to come now because of what happend. But it is Ok to come this will help the people cope better. Salaries will keep coming in to the famelies that need it most. Most of the resorts are not affected at all and are still the beautifull places as they where before the disaster.

Most of our beauty is under water and that is not been affected so Divers can still be assured of a wonderfull environment with a stunning Marine fauna.

Resorts & Tourism

2005-01-10T19:39:00.000+05:00

You all are aware of what has happened with the tidal wave.
Here some accurate information concerning the resorts and tourism.
19 Islands have closed for the moment to repair the damage done by the water.
64 Islands are in full operation. Live aboards are not affected by the wave at all.
I can assure you that the reefs have had no damage due to the wave Maldives has been very lucky. Due to the geography we did not have a crashing wave but a rise in sea level It washed away many houses on the local islands.
All the affected tourist where brought to Male and stay there in schools until they could leave the country wounded where helped in the hospitals. Sadly 3 tourist perished in the tidal wave all where from the UK.
The question to come or not to come to the Maldives is one everybody has to make for themselves. We ask every body to come to the Maldives those islands in operation and live aboards will and can take the tourist, the government assures that it is safe to come to the Maldives the reefs are in good shape so diving is still good.
Tourist will bring in money to the country management than does not have to fire people, salaries will be paid this will help the affected families, so please keep sending the holiday makers to the Maldives. Tourist tax will help to rebuild the country.
All the best.