HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
4.5.2 Marine Ecology
4.5.2.1 Reef environment
Reef on the south eastern corner of Malé
The reef environment observed on the southeastern corner of Malé comprises of three distinct
environments; these include reef flat; reef edge, gradual reef slope, which terminates onto a flat
bottom (channel between Malé and Hulhulé Island). Small caves were observed at about 30 m
depth along the reef slope (shown in diagram below). Large blocks of a collapsed reef were
observed at 40 m depth.
Figure 4.22: Cross-section of the reef system on the southeast corner of Malé (not-to-scale)
Reef on the south western corner of Hulhulé
Reef associated with Hulhulé also shows similar morphology, with 4 distinct reef environments:
extensive reef flat, reef edge, reef slope that terminates onto a flat bottom (ocean side). The reef
slope is steeper compared to Malé and large caves were observed at 30 m depth. Large blocks of
a collapsed reef were observed at 35 m depth. A diagrammatic representation of the reef system
is shown in the diagram below.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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