Government of Maldives, in partnership with the Blue Prosperity Coalition, has launched the first of several ground-breaking scientific expeditions to explore the country's diverse marine habitats from shallow to deep water.
The data collected will inform policymakers on ways to sustainably manage fisheries and improve ocean health across the archipelago. These expeditions are part of a larger partnership between the Maldivian Government and the Blue Prosperity Coalition with the goal of sustainably utilising and protecting ocean resources.
Regarding the expeditions, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said by studying the ocean from shallow reefs to deep waters Maldives is taking a step forward towards effectively understanding and managing ocean resources.
The first expedition, led by Waitt Institute, the Sandin Lab from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Ministry of Fisheries Marine Resources and Agriculture, and scientists from Maldives Marine Research Institute, will survey the health of coral reef habitats and fish populations across the northern and southern atolls. The 26-day expedition will consist of scuba diving surveys, collection of water quality samples, and the use of remote cameras to better understand the composition and health of nearshore marine habitats.
Head of Maldives Marine Research Institute Shafiya Naeem commented the ocean is a key part of each Maldivian, adding the expedition will build upon existing research being done by the government to explore the sustainable use of the ocean. In addition to enriching the understanding of the Maldivian ocean resources, the research will assist policymakers in several regards, including: marine spatial planning efforts to designate ocean zones to be used for specific activities, devising ways of preserving important fish stocks, and helping to implement sustainable tourism practices that can improve ocean livelihoods and economies without compromising ocean health.
Science Manager of the Waitt Institute Andrew Estep said surveying the many reefs across the entire Maldivian archipelago will help to understand the bigger picture of ocean health and prioritise the areas that need to be protected.
The Maldivian Government and the Blue Prosperity Coalition signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 74th United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York City in September 2019, formalising a five-year programme that will involve local ministries, non-governmental organisations, and marine experts from both Maldives and abroad. Through close partnership, the Maldivian government and Blue Prosperity Coalition aim to sustainably grow ocean economies and ensure a thriving marine environment for future generations.
The Blue Prosperity Coalition is a global network of ocean experts working to advance ocean protection and grow blue economies.