Jacopo Gobbato from MaRHE presents new evidence of Grey Reef Sharks displaying chafing behaviours on whale sharks. The results of this study contribute to understanding previously unexplored aspects, interspecies interactions and its implications. #MMSS2024

Ami Northam from University of Plymouth presents the analysis of whale shark encounter data obtained via the Big Fish Network and the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. This study provides opportunities to research understudied whale shark demographics. #MMSS2024

Khadeeja Ali from MMRI presents the response of reef sharks to sanctuaries by analysing data provided by divers. The analysis shows that removal of fishing pressure could have prevented population decline, and highlighted the complexity of variables involved. #MMSS2024

Speech delivered by Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Mr Ahmed Shiyam, at 5th Maldives Marine Science Symposium. #MMSS2024

Irthisham Zareer from MWSRP presents the effect of the global decline of elasmobranchs in the Indian Ocean on Fuvahmulah’s protected elasmobranch community. The findings show that the protected sites may increase resilience to declines on a global scale. #MMSS2024

Risla Ibrahim from MMRI presents the analysis of historical and monitoring data to uncover reef health trends across seven long-term monitoring sites in the North Ari region of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program. #MMSS2024

Irene Pancrazi from Save The Beach Maldives presents the changes to the Northern-most corals of the Maldives post major bleaching events in 1998 and 2010. Although more sensitive coral taxa have declined, more resilient taxa are recovering swiftly. #MMSS2024

Emeline Bouchet shares findings on coral restoration at Velaa Private Island utilizing Biorock™ technology, revealing improved coral survivorship and growth, and increased fish and invertebrate abundance. A promising approach for large-scale coral reef restoration. #MMSS2024

Cheers to 40 years of dedication and innovation at the Maldives Marine Research Institute! Here’s to continuing our mission to drive strategic research on fisheries, mariculture, & coral reefs, ensuring informed decisions and preserving marine ecosystems for generations to come!

Farah Amjad from shares discoveries from deep-sea exploration in the Maldives, using ROVs and submersibles to survey reefs up to 500m. Their findings highlight biodiversity hotspots that will aid conservation and management efforts in mesophotic and deep-sea habitats. #MMSS2024

Johanna Leonhardt presents findings on population densities of Culcita sp. on a degraded reef in Maldives, mapping their predatory effects on coral recruits and transplants, highlighting the increase in survivorship of these corals when Culcita sp. is removed. #MMSS2024

Julian Gervolino presents the economic and social importance of sea turtles to the tourism industry from data collected via survey responses from tour operators across the Maldives, highlighting the need for improved conservation efforts to safeguard sea turtles. #MMRI2024

Ibrahim Inaan presenting results from the 1st year of regular nesting beach surveys and opportunistic nest excavations, observing a mean hatching success rate of 94.7%. Highlights the importance of routine monitoring and management of nesting hotspots in the Maldives. #MMSS2024

Charles Anderson presents a National Red List Assessment of cetaceans found to occur in the Maldives. Preliminary findings show one species determined to be Critically Endangered, three Near Threatened, seven as Least Concern, and twelve as Data Deficient. #MMSS24

Jessica Hodge presents a study on enhancing the understanding of megafauna populations and demonstrates the potential of utilizing different approaches to citizen science data collection. #MMSS2024

Fathimath Nafha from MNU presents results from a circularity assessment conducted to tackle ocean plastic in Greater Male’ Area. Findings revealed that most common litter categories include tobacco products, food-related plastic packaging and paper. #MMSS2024

Nipuni Alahakoon presents the impacts of the 2023-2024 El Niño and the 2023 Indian Ocean dipole, on the climate of Maldives. She noted the impact of SST and climate anomalies on coral bleaching, drought, flooding, infectious disease, and fishery and agriculture loss. #MMSS2024

Congratulations to the winners of the Best Presentations Awards at #MMSS2024

And that concludes the Fifth Maldives Marine Science Symposium! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed their invaluable insights to marine research in the Maldives. Let’s harness this momentum and strive for groundbreaking science in the future! #MMSS2024

Iru and Tonti participated in the Maldives Zooplankton Knowledge Exchange Fellowship at the Nekton labs in Oxford UK, in collaboration with MMRI. They worked on refining their taxonomic skills, contributing to marine biodiversity research in the Maldives. t.ly/mtZzO