Ciara McCarten has been appointed Resident Marine Biologist & Earth Check Coordinator at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, the Hyatt Group’s first property in the Indian Ocean.

McCarten offers weekly workshops and courses to measure coral, identify marine life and estimate fish stock, in order to educate guests, staff and local villagers on how to preserve, protect and nurture the environment.

She will also be carrying out weekly reef fish surveys to support the Darwin Initiative and Marine Conservation Society UK ‘Darwin Reef Fish Project’.

Guests, staff and locals also have the opportunity to participate in the Darwin Reef Fish Project and assist Ciara with surveys of the health and biodiversity of the reef.

Located in one of the largest and deepest atolls in the world, there are 125 endangered species found off Hadahaa including several species of stingray and sharks, critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles and Napoleon Wrasse.

Ciara McCarten studied for her Masters in Marine Environmental Protection at the University of Wales, Bangor. Prior to joining Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, she was a volunteer in Fiji carrying out daily fish, coral and invertebrate surveys, the Seychelles for the Global Vision International Marine Program and South Africa on a Great White Shark project.

Mc Carten said: “I am delighted to join the team at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. It is an honour to be a part of an organisation with such a strong commitment to the environment.

“The house reef which surrounds the island is full of healthy coral with high levels of biodiversity. This is a testament to the resorts conservation initiatives.”