The best job in travel? Quite possibly...
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is dedicated to restoring the coral in its surrounding reefs. Marine biologist Kate Sheridan tells us about the crucial project... and what it’s like to permanently reside in the Maldives
What does your job entail?
As the resident marine biologist of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, I am responsible for managing Reefscapers’ coral propagation project at the resort. Using a coral frame technique pioneered by Reefscapers, at the Sheraton Maldives we are working to restore critically endangered coral reefs around the island, creating habitat for marine life and enhancing snorkelling areas.
The coral frames utilise a natural method of asexual coral reproduction; much like propagating plants, we transplant fragments of coral onto the frames, which grow over time to create a coral reef environment. My work involves building these frames, maintaining them, and monitoring the coral growth. I am also undertaking some research into coral reproduction and the local dolphin populations. Within the resort I run educational activities for the guests, including daily presentations and assisting during excursions.
What’s a typical day for you?
The best part of the job is that no two days are the same. However, a typical day can involve anything from building a coral frame with guests, diving in the lagoon to maintain or monitor existing frames, sailing off on the dolphin cruise to show guests the acrobatic spinner dolphins, or giving a presentation by the beach on different marine biology topics. The varied nature of the job is exactly why I love it!
Tell us about Adopt a Coral and how guests can get involved.
The Adopt a Coral programme at Sheraton Maldives gives guests the opportunity to help restore the reefs around the island by increasing the coral coverage in the surrounding shallow waters, which entices other marine life including sharks, rays, fish and turtles to the island. By sponsoring a Reefscapers coral frame, guests can propagate up to 106 coral fragments by building the coral frame with myself and my team on the island before out-planting it in the ocean. Every six months, guests are sent via email photos of their frame so they can track its growth from home, creating a lasting memory of their holiday.
How is coral propagation transforming the coral reefs?
Since Reefscapers began working at the Sheraton Maldives in 2020, we have built more than 330 coral frames and 12 coral pyramids, the largest human-made coral structures in the Maldives. As a result of this work, more than 100 species of fish, including sharks and rays, have been recorded around the island, including regular visits from blacktip reef sharks and spotted eagle rays. Abundant and colourful reef fish are a wonder to watch dancing around our new coral reefs. We have also been incredibly lucky to witness coral spawning, one of the ocean’s greatest spectacles, on our restored reefs. The difference in marine life where coral frames are present versus absent speaks for itself.
What do you love most about living on the island?
Beyond the beautiful snorkelling spots created by our coral restoration work and abundant marine life, my favourite thing about Sheraton Maldives is the food! The beautiful setting of the restaurants overlooking turquoise water and white sand is something I always dreamed of – and the food is simply delicious, especially at Sea Salt, the Italian restaurant specialising in seafood.
Which is your favourite animal in the water?
The one I’m most excited to see in the Maldives (apart from corals, of course) is the spotted eagle ray. They have beautiful patterns and are so graceful to watch. They are often shy but occasionally get curious and come close to investigate what I am doing. All encounters with wild animals in their natural environment are special, and watching these rays glide over our coral frames is always an honour.
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Place of registration: England and Wales.
Company number 08723341.
Registered address: 6th Floor, 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU
