Ensuring resilient reefs in the Maldives

Coral reefs are the foundation of the Maldivian economy and protect the low-lying islands from erosion by the sea. But overfishing, tourism, pollution, coastal development and climate change are degrading them. 

Together with Maldives Resilient Reefs (MRR), which we helped to establish in 2019, Blue Marine aims to expand marine protection, improve fisheries management, promote sustainable tourism and strengthen the capacities of Maldivian marine conservationists.   

Our 2024 campaign with other partners #AgainstLonglining prevented new licenses being issued to fish in the Maldives using the destructive long-lining technique. Our online education platform, Masmahaa-Veshi, has engaged more than 100 fishers and 200 community members on sustainable fishing and the benefits of marine protection. It also hosts a seagrass education model for local children. 

Blue Marine has also formalised a Memorandum of Understanding with MRR to support future conservation efforts. We are in discussions with the government and partners to support the 30×30 ocean protection targets. 

• Flagship sustainable fishing programme Laamaseelu Masveriyaa ensures that resorts source sustainability caught local seafood. Piloted at Six Senses Laamu in 2020, it now includes resorts in Lhaviyani Atoll and Baa Atoll. With support from Blue Marine, MRR is working to expand it across the country. 

• In 2019, the campaign ‘Protect Maldives Seagrass’ convinced more than 25 per cent of high-end resorts to protect their seagrass meadows. Despite preventing beach erosion, absorbing carbon dioxide, supporting fisheries and housing juvenile fish, seagrass is considered a nuisance. Many resorts remove it because they think it spoils the look of clear water.  

• In 2025, Blue Marine and MRR launched the #SeagrassIndustryLeaders Circle to showcasing it as a natural asset for tourism and an ally against climate change. More than a dozen resorts pledged to protect 80 per cent of their baseline seagrass area.