ABOUT US
OUR mission
shark conservation through research, education and collaboration
Nature Friends of Maldives, established in 2022, is one of Fuvahmulah’s leading shark and marine conservation organisations. Over the years, we have worked closely with local NGOs, dive centres, and other key stakeholders to advance shark science on the island. Through our continuous efforts, we aim to shift public perceptions of sharks and advocate for stronger marine protection policies. In collaboration with national ministries, we contributed to recognising Fuvahmulah as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA), helping to safeguard this uniquely rich environment home to several elasmobranch species.
We believe that education is essential for bringing the younger generation closer to the ocean and raising awareness about the importance of sharks and the threats they face. Our school programs focus on these topics and engage local students directly in conservation.
Our internship program offers valuable insights into shark research, modern field methodologies, and safe diving practices. Aspiring biologists gain hands-on experience in the field, develop important diving skills, and actively support our ongoing efforts to protect sharks around Fuvahmulah.
The Maldives, a chain of 26 low-lying atolls scattered across the Indian Ocean, hosts some of the world’s most diverse and vibrant marine ecosystems. Comprising over 1,000 coral islands, the country is surrounded by warm, nutrient-rich waters that support abundant populations of sharks, rays, turtles, and countless reef species.
With its unique geography, rich pelagic corridors, and globally significant coral reef systems, the Maldives plays a crucial role in regional marine biodiversity, conservation efforts, and scientific research.
OUR Location
Our home, Fuvahmulah, is surrounded by
deep, nutrient-rich waters that attract an
exceptional diversity of sharks and pelagic species.
With resident tiger sharks and frequent sightings of thresher sharks, silky sharks, hammerheads, and mantas, the island offers one of the most unique and scientifically valuable marine environments in the Maldives.
These conditions provide a rare opportunity to study endangered and understudied species such as thresher and hammerhead sharks. To date, more than 15 elasmobranch species have been recorded around the island, supported by healthy coral structures and a thriving oceanic ecosystem.
why we study sharks
We focus on studying sharks because they are vital to maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. As apex and mesopredators, sharks regulate food webs, balance prey populations, and support the overall stability of coral reef and pelagic environments. Yet despite their ecological importance, many shark species face severe population declines due to overfishing, bycatch, habitat loss, and the global shark fin trade, which continues to drive unsustainable pressure on vulnerable species.
Scientific research plays a crucial role in reversing these trends. By collecting reliable data on shark behaviour, population structure, habitat use, and migration patterns, we provide the evidence needed for informed conservation policies. Governmental agencies rely on science-based insights to establish protected areas, regulate fisheries, and implement long-term management strategies.
Through rigorous field research and collaboration with authorities, we ensure that conservation measures are grounded in facts, helping to safeguard shark populations for future generations.
Our Sponsors/Partners
Our collaborators
