Samantha Noel is a marine biologist from the United States with a Master’s degree in Marine Biology and a specialization in coral reproduction. After completing her studies, she moved abroad to work hands-on in coral restoration across several regions, from Southeast Asia to the Indian Ocean. Currently based at OBLU SELECT Sangeli resort in the Maldives, she leads a dynamic coral conservation program focused on reef rehabilitation, guest education, and sustainable marine initiatives. Through building artificial reefs, transplanting coral colonies, and running engaging programs like her coral workshops and turtle adoptions, her goal is to merge science with community-driven action. She believes the future of conservation lies in collaboration — connecting people to the ocean in ways that are personal, impactful, and rooted in science.
What do we have to know about corals and why are they so important?
There is a lot to know about corals, but most importantly, they are vital to the ecosystem. Not only are corals extremely diverse animals found across the world, but they also create about 30% of the oxygen that’s released into our atmosphere. They contribute a large portion of the oxygen that we as humans use, and they also provide the ideal habitat for fish. All adult fish in the ocean begin their lives on a coral reef. Without healthy coral reefs, fish would not be able to live, survive, and contribute to the human population as a food source or income source. At the core, healthy coral reefs support all these systems.
What are the hotel managers doing to save the coral reefs? What measures have they taken?
Our biggest effort to recover and restore coral here in the Maldives, and at Sangeli specifically, is centered around our coral garden. We take advantage of storms that cause breakage in coral colonies, collecting these “fragments of opportunity” and giving them a new home. We start by making a coral frame, covering it with concrete to create a stable base, and then place it in another section of the reef. With this, we’re able to protect coral diversity and ensure that any species affected by bleaching or storm damage are not lost. This way, we preserve them for the fish and other marine animals to thrive.
So first they are in the garden and then you take them somewhere else?
We have two different types of coral restoration work. There are artificial reefs, which are permanent structures like the frames I mentioned. And then we have temporary homes. For this, we use rope structures where we attach small coral fragments of opportunity. Once the coral grows into a large enough colony, we cut the rope and transplant it to reef areas that need more coverage or diversity. These are the two main strategies we use.
-We can also see something in the water, a special swing. What’s that?
Yes, we recently placed a little swing set on our reef. We wanted to create a fun, engaging way for guests to connect with the reef while snorkeling. Our coral garden is quite deep, and not all guests are scuba divers or experienced free divers. So, we designed the swing with the Sangeli sign and growing coral colonies on the side, allowing guests to see restoration work without diving deeper.
How can the frames be cleaned?
We just use a toothbrush. With a simple toothbrush, we clean off algae and overgrowth from the frames. Sometimes we use a kitchen sponge for larger areas, but nothing too high-tech. Once the coral is established, it mostly takes care of itself, adapting to the natural ecosystem with algae and biofilms.
Do you work together with the guests when you clean?
Yes, we have many initiatives where guests can join in. When we build coral frames, guests are often invited to participate, especially during events like World Ocean Day or when large groups visit. This hands-on experience lets them see what coral looks like, how it grows, and ask questions. Guests can also watch as we place the frames in the garden, or even do a Discover Scuba Dive with our dive center to see them up close. A big part of guest interaction, however, is education. We host weekly presentations with fun facts, games, and discussions that highlight the importance of protecting the ocean and its animals.
Yesterday you mentioned ghost nets in your presentation. Are there many in the ocean, and can they be reused?
Discarded ghost nets are a big problem. In the Maldives, it’s illegal to use nets for fishing, so these nets drift in from other countries. If left in the ocean, they constantly entangle marine animals like turtles and dolphins. When we remove them, we repurpose the plastic threads to make bracelets, which guests can purchase. These bracelets serve as a reminder of how long-lasting plastic is and the importance of keeping it out of the ocean. It’s one of my favorite sustainability initiatives, and guests really connect with its meaning.
What do we have to know about animals here?
There are so many animals and so much to know! The most important thing to remember is that this is their home. You don’t always know if they have enough food or if their habitat is safe. Many visitors assume everything is fine, but it’s crucial to respect their space and protect their environment. With some luck, guests can experience amazing interactions with dolphins, turtles, and other marine life.
We can adopt turtles here.
Yes, we have a turtle adoption program, which helps fund our marine biology projects while offering guests a unique way to connect with Sangeli. We monitor our resident sea turtles — a critically endangered species — and share data with the Olive Ridley Project. Guests can symbolically adopt turtles and receive updates whenever they’re spotted again. It’s a meaningful way to stay connected, and many guests love following the journeys of “their” turtles.
How do you involve children in all this?
We run the Kids Club program alongside our general guest activities. Teaching children at a young age is crucial, as they’re more likely to grow up wanting to protect the oceans. Our EcoExplorer sessions introduce them to marine life like clownfish and hermit crabs, while teaching lessons about waste and conservation in a fun, age-appropriate way. We use games, drawings, and interactive activities to make the learning experience engaging and memorable.
