How social media and parrotfish poop are protecting the Maldives
It started six years ago when Shaha Hashim began seeing posts across social media: Vulnerable and protected species were being fished throughout the atoll islands of the Maldives, and some were even turning up in fish markets. This included animals like the giant clam (genus Tridacna), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and even species of parrotfish […]
Six years ago, Shaha Hashim noticed an alarming trend on social media: Vulnerable and protected marine species were being overfished in the Maldives, including the giant clam, Napoleon wrasse, and parrotfish. These species, previously not targeted by local fishers, gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as tourism workers lost their jobs and recreational fishing became more common.
The parrotfish were of particular concern, as they played a crucial role in recycling sediment and creating new habitat for coral reefs. Protecting them was essential to maintain the accretion process, which helps atolls naturally combat climate change by depositing sediment above the water level. Coastal scientists like Paul Kench emphasized that accretion is vital for the resilience and management of atolls in the face of climate change.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
