In this short film, Discover Animals’ Geoff Moore returns to the Seychelles to find out how the Hilton Northolme is reinstating a coral reef, spending four days with a team of conservationists in the Indian Ocean.
The Hilton Northolme has over recent years been working with the Marine Conservation Society of the Seychelles (MCSS) on a joint project to improve an important coral reef just in front of the hotel.
Up to four members of the conservation team work on the reef rebuilding work, frequently diving and recording in detail the coral growths every few weeks and months. Rather like taking cuttings in a garden, the technique is similar but it’s done totally under the sea.
Team members clip off small growths of coral and place them suspended in underwater growing areas where they can develop faster than in the fixed locations where they would normally grow. The sample pieces are tied to rope and bamboo ladders in prime places around the hotel ocean frontage.
Running the project is Yasmine Watkins, who has to return several times a week to clean off the ropes and wood, which again helps to improve the coral growth. Using kitchen and tooth brushes, the team scrapes away the algae that inhibits the coral.
General Manager at the hotel Hendrick Calles says that it’s essential for the hotel to help to maintain and grow the environment around it. And the joint project is proving very successful in helping to improve the marine environment that surrounds the hotel.
Popular with guests, the reef is an attraction that draws in many visitors all year around, and this work boosts the numbers of fish attracted to the coral, which in turn attracts more of the guests to experience the underwater forest and the life that swims and lives or shelters around it.
Guests also get the chance to learn more from the conservation group who regularly give presentations to the staff and visitors about the progress of the reef restocking, the marine environment and how, as individuals, visitors can help to improve the protection of other coral reefs.
The coral reefs are important for tourism as well as the local population who rely on them as places to gather fresh fish protein and for their livelihoods. Although a tropical paradise, it has to be remembered that the local population needs to be sustained as importing food and goods can be very expensive for the islands.
The hotel is located on a cliffside location flanked with several small white sand coves and the offshore reef. It has a very interesting history and is one of the oldest hotels in the Seychelles. Ian Fleming of James Bond fame wrote ‘For Your Eyes Only’ there. The 56-villa site is very popular with couples and honeymooners and of course those who love to be on or under the sea during their holidays!
Our thanks to Hilton Northolme for hosting Geoff during his stay.
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