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Marine Conservation Maldives

Join our conservation initiatives to protect and restore South Ari Atoll's precious marine ecosystems. Through research, education, and hands-on action, we're making a difference for future generations.

Explore Our Programs

Our Conservation Mission

At Dive Shop Maldives, we believe that every diver has a responsibility to protect the underwater world they love to explore. Located in the biodiverse South Ari Atoll, we are uniquely positioned to contribute to critical marine conservation efforts.

Our conservation programs focus on four key areas: coral reef restoration, manta ray research, whale shark monitoring, and reef health assessment. Through partnerships with global conservation organizations and active participation from our diving community, we collect valuable data and implement tangible conservation actions.

"We don't inherit the ocean from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children. Join us in preserving South Ari Atoll's marine treasures for future generations."

Our Conservation Programs

Participate in hands-on marine conservation projects and contribute to scientific research in South Ari Atoll

Coral Propagation & Reef Restoration

In partnership with Coral Watch & Local Community

Our coral propagation program focuses on restoring damaged reef areas in South Ari Atoll. Using sustainable techniques, we fragment healthy corals, grow them in our underwater nursery, and transplant them to degraded reef sites.

What You'll Participate In:

  • Learn coral fragmentation techniques
  • Maintain and monitor coral nursery frames
  • Transplant grown corals to restoration sites
  • Monitor growth and survival rates
  • Adopt a coral frame with your name
  • Receive progress updates on your corals

Manta Ray Identification & Research

Contributing to Manta Trust Database

South Ari Atoll is home to a significant population of reef manta rays. We contribute to the Manta Trust's global database by photographing and identifying individual mantas based on their unique ventral spot patterns.

Research Activities:

  • Photograph manta ray ventral patterns
  • Identify individuals using ID databases
  • Record behavior and cleaning station visits
  • Monitor population dynamics
  • Track migratory patterns
  • Submit data to Manta Trust researchers

Whale Shark Spotting & Identification

Supporting Whale Shark Research Maldives

South Ari Atoll is one of the few places in the world with year-round whale shark sightings. We collaborate with whale shark researchers to identify individuals, track movements, and contribute to population studies.

Research Components:

  • Photograph whale shark spot patterns
  • Identify individuals using I3S pattern recognition
  • Record size, sex, and distinguishing marks
  • Monitor behavior and feeding patterns
  • Track seasonal movements
  • Contribute to global whale shark database

Reef Health Survey & Monitoring

Following Reef Check & Coral Watch Protocols

Regular reef health surveys are essential for monitoring ecosystem changes. We conduct standardized surveys following Reef Check and Coral Watch methodologies to track coral health, fish populations, and invertebrate abundance.

Survey Activities:

  • Coral health assessment using Coral Watch cards
  • Fish population counts and identification
  • Invertebrate surveys (sea urchins, crown-of-thorns)
  • Substrate composition analysis
  • Impact assessment of bleaching events
  • Long-term monitoring of key indicator species

Get Involved in Conservation

Whether you're a certified diver or just passionate about marine conservation, there are multiple ways to contribute to our efforts in South Ari Atoll.

Conservation Diver Course

Complete our SSI Conservation Diver specialty course to learn proper techniques for participating in all our conservation programs.

Learn More

Volunteer Dives

Join scheduled conservation dives to participate in coral planting, reef surveys, or marine life monitoring during your dive trip.

View Packages

Adopt & Donate

Adopt a coral frame, sponsor a manta ray tracker, or make a donation to support our ongoing conservation work.

Support Us

Our Conservation Impact

Measuring our contribution to marine conservation in South Ari Atoll

2,500+

Corals Propagated

Fragments grown in our nursery and transplanted to degraded reef areas since program inception.

85%

Coral Survival Rate

Average survival rate of transplanted corals after one year in our restoration sites.

180+

Manta Rays Identified

Individual reef manta rays photographed and added to the Manta Trust identification database.

45+

Whale Sharks Tracked

Whale sharks individually identified and monitored in South Ari Atoll waters.

12

Permanent Monitoring Sites

Reef areas regularly surveyed using Reef Check and Coral Watch methodologies.

650+

Volunteer Divers

Divers who have participated in our conservation programs since 2018.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join our conservation efforts and become part of the solution. Whether you want to participate in a single conservation dive or commit to regular monitoring, your contribution matters.

Contact Our Conservation Team

WhatsApp: +960 931 8577
Email: info@diveshopmaldives.com