EXPEDITION REPORT Expedition dates: 3 - 16 September 2011 Report published: July 2012

Little and large: surveying and safeguarding coral reefs & whale sharks in the Maldives.

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EXPEDITION REPORT Little and large: surveying and safeguarding coral reefs & whale sharks in the Maldives. Expedition dates: 3 - 16 September 2011

Report published: July 2012 Authors: Jean-Luc Solandt Marine Conservation Society & Reef Check Co-ordinator Maldives Matthias Hammer (editor) Biosphere Expeditions

1 © Biosphere Expeditions, an international not-for-profit conservation organisation registered in England, Germany, France, Australia and the USA Officially accredited member of the United Nations Environment Programme's Governing Council & Global Ministerial Environment Forum Officially accredited member of the International Union for Conservation

Abstract This study undertook survey dives in North Male’, Rasdhoo and South Ari Atolls between 6 and 15 September 2011, using the internationally accredited survey method Reef Check. Two one-week training and survey programmes with layperson volunteers were undertaken based on the live-aboard vessel MV Carpe Diem. Training for each week lasted 2.5 days, allowing approximately three days per week to carry out surveys. 16 sites were surveyed, in sheltered thillas, faroes and channel locations where currents were light and the reef was of a gentle gradient. Data collected on coral cover showed little difference since the Marine Conservation Society started monitoring reef conditions in 2005, with a mean coral cover of 25% recorded from the 16 sites. Coral cover was generally higher in the shallower reef transects (