The
Aims of the "Sharifa"-Expedition 2007 to the Maldives
The aim of the present
expedition will be to perform extensive surveys in the coral reefs of
the Maldives to explore their present condition. Severe bleaching
events have occurred in the last decade and reef degradation as well as
rehabilitation and recovery have been observed. A number of scientists
will contribute with their specific areas of expertise (reef ecology,
coral taxonomy, fish ecology and morphology, bio-erosion and coral
associations, etc.) and work on individual projects which will fuse to
one common, large project: The evaluation of the presence and future of
the Maldives.
The outcome shall be used to develop more efficient management
strategies and to provide the scientific community with the newest
findings.
Since the duration of the expedition is limited to 14 days the route
can only be a shortcut of the original Xarifa-expedition. 14 sites in
the Maldives will be investigated:
North-Male-Atoll ->
East to Helengeli -> Gaafaru Falhu (Gaha Faro) ->
Southwest to the Westcoast to Reethi -> Rasdhoo Atoll/Kuramathi
-> to the Northeastern rim of the Ari Atoll -> to
Kandolhudhoo -> to Fesdhoo -> close to Malhos (Western
side of the Ari Atoll) -> East to Halaveli -> Western
side of the South-Male-Atoll to Kalhuhuraa and finally to Bolifushi in
the South-Male-Atoll.
