At Four Seasons Resort Maldives in Landaa Giraavaru, Trainee Marine Biologist Modules Introduce Children to Innovative Conservation and Research

Knowledge is Power:

A Marine Biology Journey Begins With Trainee Marine Biologist Modules at Four Seasons Resort Maldives in Landaa Giraavaru, Immersing Children in Innovative Conservation and Research

Mumbai, December 8th, 2022:

The struggle for a healthy ocean is genuine and cannot be treated lightly. Four Seasons Resort Maldives in Landaa Giraavaru has introduced a new series of Trainee Marine Biologist courses to provide young people with a deep dive into pioneering marine research in one of the world's most bountiful ocean regions.

The six one-day, one-on-one courses are meant as a serious foundation for scientifically interested adolescents, those seeking a career in marine biology, and anybody with a genuine desire to interact profoundly with the natural world.Each module mixes hands-on exercises with in-depth readings to provide an in-depth look at what it takes to become a Coral Biologist, Dolphin Biologist, Turtle Biologist, Aquarist, Plankton Biologist, or Manta Biologist. Each privately taught programme is independent and bookable for a single day.

Trainees work alongside the Resort's specialist Marine Savers marine biologists, on-site veterinarian, and The Manta Trust experts, obtaining a unique perspective on the Resort's conservation efforts. Activities may include the use of artificial intelligence to monitor coral reef restoration, the cultivation of artemia and rotifers in the Fish Lab, the tracking and identification of local cetaceans, the rehabilitation of injured turtles, and the conservation of the world's largest known population of manta rays.

Simon Dixon, manager of Landaa Giraavaru's Marine Discovery Centre, said,

"We know from experience that actively engaging youth in marine habitats is essential for fostering long-term conservation efforts. Our trainee programmes provide an in-depth look at living in our profession and are an excellent basis for anybody with a passion for environmental activism. This is the kind of instruction I would have cherished in my childhood."

Explore one or more of the one-day modules listed below:

Candidate in Coral Biology

How to maintain the survival of coral reefs, the most diversified marine ecosystems. In conjunction with the resident Coral Biologist, trainees will participate in all aspects of the coral restoration project, from preparation and transplanting to photographing and uploading.

Biologist in Training, Dolphin

A chance to participate in the protection of the Maldives' most beloved marine creatures, dolphins and whales. In collaboration with the Dolphin Biologists, trainees will learn everything about these wonderful animals, go on a cruise to follow their travels throughout the islands, and collect and analyse photographs to identify individuals.

Trainee Turtle BiologistWith the exception of the polar seas, sea turtles have existed in all of the world's oceans since the time of the dinosaurs, but six of their seven species are presently threatened with extinction. Alongside the resident Turtle Biologist, students will learn about the anatomy and biology of sea turtles, the risks they face in the wild, and conservation efforts.

Apprentice Aquarist

This section examines some of the aquatic world's smallest species in more detail. Plankton, clownfish, rotifers, and jellies all contribute to the maintenance of healthy ecosystems that support life. This session provides a fascinating introduction to the Fish Lab's work, highlighting the hazards and challenges each species faces and exploring how we may assist ourselves by helping the seas.

Trainee Plankton Biologist

An opportunity to explore the significance that these wonderful creatures play in our lives, from giving the oxygen we breathe to helping us monitor climatic events and comprehending the movement of enormous marine species. Trainees will participate in the first long-term, continuous plankton survey in the Maldives – and, to the best of the program's knowledge, in any worldwide UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – and contribute to a model of plankton diversity and biomass that will ideally become a national database.

Trainee Manta Biologist

A glimpse inside the mysterious life of manta rays, the gentle giants of the Maldives. Trainees will spend time with these magnificent creatures and learn how Manta Ray Biologists preserve and protect the local manta ray population. This module allows learners to participate in the research journey of the team, from picture identification through monitoring growth, behaviour, and even pregnancy.

About the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru Marine Rescue Team

The Trainee Marine Biologist courses are the most recent innovation in the resort's 15-year history of marine research and teaching. Other achievements include the Maldives' most successful coral reef regeneration project; establishing the Maldivian Manta Ray Project in 2005 (the founding project of the now global Manta Trust); inaugurating the Maldives' first Turtle Rehabilitation Centre in 2011; rehabilitating over 340 injured sea turtles (including rehoming 6 overseas); and identifying more than 350 cetaceans through the Dolphin ID Project.

Working out of a dedicated exhibition and research space that includes a purpose-built Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and Fish Lab, the research team also organises Dive Against Debris and other ocean clean-up events; attends international symposiums and local festivals to share their research; collaborates with local and international partner projects and organisations; hosts Maldivian school children for educational marine conservation days; and leads daily guest snorkelling excursions.

Visit marinesavers.com for month-by-month updates on all marine conservation programmes presently being carried out by Four Seasons Resorts Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, as well as data collected over many years of dedication to the preservation of the Maldives' marine ecology.

To participate in Landaa Giraavaru's conservation efforts as a Trainee Marine Biologist, please email reservations.mal@fourseasons.com or phone the Central Reservations department at (960) 66-00-888.