Initially, we believed that our island’s two freshwater lakes were our sole natural assets. And we knew nothing about Fuvahmulah’s southern end. We normally fish from the shoreline, so this was a well-known spot for giant trevally.
We used to catch these brutes from different areas of our island. However, the southern end of Fuvahmulah, near the airport, and the boundary beyond the fish market region are distinct from the rest of the island. While fishing from the coast, this is the best place to reel in the Maldives’ largest giant trevallies. Here we surprise this formidable fish.
We deploy 300-500 monofilament lines, with ‘nano’ connected to the end where we grip the line. We use eel or tuna heads with big hooks. We keep the bait at low tide and sit on the beach. When it is high tide and the waves begin to flood the reef flat, an incredible event occurs. Large giant trevallies can be seen ascending through trench-like structures and striking the bait with incredible force, surprising us if we are unprepared.
These ‘trenches’ lead into the open ocean, where the echo-rich reef—farikede—of Fuvahmulah is located. These brutes rise at high tide from this vibrant reef. They can be drawn to the fish waste that is discarded behind the fish market. Their excellent sense of smell may lead them from Farikede’s reef to the harbor area.
When tourism took off in Fuvahmulah, various parts of the island emerged, each with its own unique biodiversity and enigmatic life. The island of Fuvahmulah is distinctive in every way, from its unique geographical features to the varied topography around the ocean, which are magnificent creations.
Fuvahmulah does not have a large reef surrounding the island. However, the marine biodiversity is rich and impressive. In Farikede, the echo-rich reef starts at the southernmost point of the island and goes all the way to the northernmost point. Most of the reef’s top is about 13 meters high and drops off into the ocean. At this location, divers can see the most oceanic species in a single dive.
On this reef, you may see and interact with a wide variety of marine life, from tiny, vibrant fish to massive, majestic marine beasts. According to experts and divers, several sharks congregate in this area for cleaning. This farikede area also hosts whales and numerous shark species.
Farikede is a literary term that means “at the edge of the reef.” The area is one of the most vibrant hotspots in Fuvahmulah for a wide variety of fish in one location.
You are fortunate to see a wide variety of marine life on a single dive. Nearly nowhere in the Maldives is this likely to happen. You can encounter barracudas, groupers, reef manta rays, molar or sunfish, giant trevallies, dogtooth and skipjack tunas, and more.
This mysterious reef environment is home to blue sharks, zebra sharks, gray reef sharks, silvertip sharks, and whitetip sharks.
The spectacular huge whale shark, tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, and thresher sharks can also be found here.
Oceanic and reef mantas can both be seen among the rays. Other intriguing fish, like snappers and trevallies, can be seen here. Female whale sharks are abundant, according to researchers and divers. There are no reports of the phenomenon happening anywhere else in the Maldives.
According to studies, the reason whale sharks visit this location is to breed. Farikede is a shallow location, which makes it ideal for producing these majestic giants. Farikede is a site of immense cultural significance on this beautiful island. For years, this location has been a popular fishing spot. This magnificent reef has the imprint of the people’s livelihood.
This location serves as a breeding habitat for nature’s most valuable species as well as a place for little fish to clean predatory fish. This is a vital habitat for marine life. It is critical to protect the area in order for this unique island to exist and thrive.
