The Sea Turtle Health Institute has been officially opened in the Maldives to treat injured and sick sea turtles.
The state-of-the-art facility is one of the largest and most advanced sea turtle treatment centres in the Indian Ocean region. The institute, established at Javakara Islands Maldives by the Olive Ridley Project, was officially inaugurated by Crown & Champa Resorts Managing Director Sara Moosa. The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Crown & Champa Resorts Mohamed Solah and representatives from the Olive Ridley Project.
Officials said the institute will provide comprehensive treatment for turtles injured by pollution, fishing gear, and marine debris. The facility is currently treating seven sea turtles and is designed to rehabilitate and release them back into the wild.
The institute includes four hospital tanks, a therapeutic tank, and two critical care tanks. These tanks can accommodate two turtles using partitions in case of emergencies. Capacity will be expanded from seven tanks to 12 in the future.
The facility includes an intensive care unit (ICU) for severely injured turtles, as well as a clinic with surgery room, diagnostic lab, X-ray, endoscopy and laser treatment facilities. The round tanks at the facility have adjustable depth with water quality control, as well as a 24-hour monitoring system.
The facility also serves as a research and training centre for marine conservation. A “Sea Turtle Veterinary Assistant Diploma” programme will be introduced in collaboration with the Maldives National University (MNU). The institute is expected to support both local and international students and strengthen marine wildlife conservation efforts in the region.