The Government of the Maldives has launched the second scientific expedition to survey coral reef habitats, fish populations, and water quality across Maldivian atolls.
The expedition is part of a larger partnership between the Government of Maldives and the Blue Prosperity Coalition, whose members include the Waitt Institute, National Geographic Pristine Seas, and Nekton Mission. The goal of this partnership is to sustainably utilize and protect ocean resources through a 5-year programme that will involve local ministries, non-governmental organisations, community stakeholders, and scientists from both Maldives and abroad.
The first expedition under this initiative was carried out in January last year. The first expedition included the survey of coral reef habitats, fish populations, and water quality across 16 atolls, from Haa Alifu Atoll to Laamu Atoll. Blue Prosperity Coalition stated the findings of the first expedition will be published next month.
The second expedition has been launched into the marine habitats of Male’ Atoll, Huvadhu Atoll, Fuvahmulah and Addu. The expedition will be carried out across a 22-day period, and will involve researchers from Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), the Waitt Institute, and Scripps Institution Oceanography.
The scientific expedition into marine habitats of the Maldives is expected to inform the Maldivian government and direct its development plans toward the sustainable utilisation of the country’s local resources.