Water Quality Assessment Underway in Greater Male Area
Photo: Environmental Protection Agency
A collaborative initiative has been launched to assess water quality in the Greater Male area, involving a team from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS). This important project aims to evaluate pollution levels in the Male region, particularly focusing on recreational waters frequented by locals and tourists.
Our team, in collaboration with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), has initiated the assessment of water quality around the Greater Male area. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/yfDXFbtdhB
— EPA Maldives (@EPAMaldives) October 22, 2024advertisement
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The assessment is crucial, given the rising concerns about water quality in densely populated coastal areas. As urban development and tourism continue to grow in the Greater Male area, understanding the impact of these activities on the local marine environment has become increasingly vital.
According to the EPA, the primary objective of the assessment is to gather data on pollution levels, which will inform future conservation efforts and policy decisions. The study will involve systematic sampling of water at various locations around Male, with particular attention paid to areas that are popular for recreational activities such as swimming and diving.
The research team, aided by the Ocean and Coastal Protection Programme (OCPP), plan to utilise the research vessel RV Thimaaveshi for the collection and analysis of water samples. This vessel is equipped with advanced technology designed to measure various environmental parameters, ensuring that the data gathered will be both accurate and comprehensive.
Initial results from the assessment are expected to shed light on potential pollutants present in the waters, which could range from domestic waste to agricultural runoff. This information is essential for identifying sources of pollution and developing effective strategies for mitigation.
