Diving in Maldives as a Citizen Scientist with Biosphere Expeditions
I recently got the opportunity of participating as a Citizen Scientist with Biosphere Expeditions on their Maldives Coral Reef Research Expedition, in partnership with Dune Maldives on board their amazing live-aboard vessel – MV Theia; and it was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had in the past few years. Being a passionate Scuba Diver and a certified Dive Master, signing up for this expedition was a no brainer for me, as this expedition ticked off both the boxes for me – Scuba Diving in the Maldives, and understanding the transformative aspect of such dive experiences.
If you are visiting Maldives for the first time, you might want to combine this Maldives Dive Expedition with a trip to any of the many ultra luxurious Resorts in the Maldives, or some local islands such as Ukulhas and Dhangethi
Read on to know more about Biosphere Expeditions, the Maldives Research Expedition and how will your days look like, as a Volunteer Citizen Scientist.
Contents
Introduction to Biosphere Expeditions
Dr. Matthias Hammer, an ecologist with extensive expedition experience, established Biosphere Expeditions to bridge the gap between scientific research and public involvement. Drawing from his academic and field experiences in locations like the Amazon and Madagascar, Hammer envisioned a platform where ordinary individuals could contribute directly to conservation efforts. His leadership has guided the organization to operate across five continents, supporting local conservation projects through research, funding, and volunteer participation.
Dr. Matthias Hammer introducing us to Biosphere Expeditions
Over the years, Biosphere Expeditions has undertaken numerous impactful projects. For example:
- In Namibia, the organization supported the largest leopard conservation study, contributing to a significant reduction in human-wildlife conflicts.
- In the Amazon, biodiversity research influenced policies preventing dam construction, protecting critical habitats.
- In Sumatra, collaborations with WWF Indonesia helped improve tiger conservation strategies and integrate local communities into efforts to protect the Rimbang Baling Wildlife Reserve.
- Coral reef studies in Malaysia and marine life surveys in the Maldives have advanced marine conservation initiatives globally.
Biosphere Expeditions’ work has led to tangible conservation outcomes, such as creating research stations, reducing species conflict through education, and empowering local communities with sustainable practices. Its efforts have informed wildlife policies, supported the establishment of conservation areas like the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Park, and provided critical data for scientific publications.
By fostering collaboration between scientists, volunteers, and communities, Biosphere Expeditions not only contributes to biodiversity preservation but also raises public awareness of the importance of conservation on a global scale.
About the Maldives Expedition
MV Theia by Dune Maldives – Our home for 7 days during the Maldives Coral Reef Dive Expedition with Biosphere Expeditions
With Spacious comfy Rooms and Sumptuous Food, the staff aboard MV Theia made sure that we were well fed and slept well !
Biosphere Expeditions has conducted numerous research-focused expeditions in the Maldives since 2010, with a focus on monitoring the health of coral reefs, particularly in the face of climate change and environmental stressors. These expeditions combine scientific research with citizen science, involving volunteers in underwater surveys to document the state of reef ecosystems.
The expeditions have revealed mixed outcomes for Maldivian coral reefs. The devastating global bleaching event of 2016 caused significant coral mortality, with reefs showing little recovery in the following years. However, more recent surveys have noted encouraging signs of resilience and recovery. For instance, in 2019 and subsequent years, researchers observed an increase in coral diversity and growth, with numerous young corals and previously dead zones showing regrowth. Specific areas, such as Rasdhoo Madivaru, were highlighted for their extraordinary biodiversity and resilience, hosting species such as sharks, manta rays, and turtles.
Despite these positive signs, the situation remains precarious. Many reefs still show limited recovery, and there are concerns about the long-term sustainability of these recovery efforts due to ongoing threats like rising sea temperatures and pollution. In fact, smaller corals that had previously appeared resistant to bleaching also showed signs of bleaching in subsequent years, underscoring the vulnerability of these ecosystems. Still, larger, more established corals appear to be more resilient.
Experts, such as Dr. Jean-Luc Solandt, emphasize that while nature is showing resilience, further temperature spikes could undo the recovery seen so far. The expeditions also underscore the importance of local and international conservation efforts. For instance, several areas, like Rasdhoo Madivaru, have been declared protected zones due to their extraordinary biodiversity, and local initiatives like “Reef Check Maldives” continue to monitor and protect these vital ecosystems.
The pristine marine ecosystem of Maldives showing signs of resilience and recovery
The expeditions have documented the complex interplay of resilience and vulnerability in Maldivian coral reefs. While certain areas exhibit regrowth and ecological diversity, others remain severely impacted. Researchers emphasize the need for proactive measures, such as expanding marine protected areas and minimizing local stressors like dredging and pollution. The creation of the Maldives National Marine Research Institute and other conservation initiatives signal growing national efforts to address these challenges
These expeditions play a crucial role in gathering data, fostering local involvement, and raising awareness about the importance of coral reefs to the region’s ecological and economic health. The ongoing efforts of citizen scientists and local communities are pivotal in building resilience against the broader challenges posed by climate change.
A Day in the life of a Citizen Scientist
Dr. Jean-Luc Solandt, teaching us all about Corals and the Marine Environment in a highly engaged interactive session
To become a Citizen Scientist with Biosphere Expeditions, participants must complete the Reef Check certification, which focuses on three main competencies:
- Fish Identification: Learning to recognize key indicator species that reflect reef health, such as Snappers, Butterflyfish, Groupers, Sweetlips, Parrotfish, and Moray Eels.
- Substrate Analysis: Distinguishing different types of substrates, including Rock, Hard Coral, Soft Coral, Dead Coral, Rubble, and Sand.
- Invertebrate Recognition: Identifying specific invertebrates, such as Sea Cucumbers, Giant Clams, Banded Coral Shrimp, Sea Urchins, Crown-of-Thorns Starfish, Lobsters, and Tritons.
Once certified, participants conduct three types of surveys:
- Fish Survey: Observing and recording indicator fish species within a designated area.
- Substrate Survey: Documenting substrate types at regular intervals along a transect line.
- Invertebrate and Impact Survey: Identifying and noting invertebrate species and any visible human or environmental impacts.
Before diving, participants receive a comprehensive briefing covering the dive site, entry techniques, buddy pairs, and assigned tasks. Surveys are executed in sequence:
- Laying Transect Lines: The first buddy pair lays out transect lines for the surveys.
- Fish Survey: The fish team observes species within a 2.5m x 2.5m zone on each side of the transect.
- Substrate Survey: The substrate team documents the reef’s composition at 0.5m intervals along the line.
- Invertebrate Survey: Observations of invertebrates and reef conditions complete the data collection.
The dive lasts 60–75 minutes. Back on the boat, participants collaborate to record and analyze observations. Comparing this data with previous results helps track changes in reef health, offering insights into trends of recovery or decline.
It’s Survey Time! First we lay the transact line, and then we make a note of our observations on our slates.
Key Takeaways
Scuba diving offers a transformative experience that inspires many to pursue certification as divers and deepen their skills through specialized training and repeated dive trips. Each dive not only hones technical abilities but also fosters a deeper connection to the underwater world, making divers more skilled and environmentally conscious over time.
The Maldives Diving Expedition with Biosphere Expeditions attracts participants aged 18 to 60+, each bringing a unique level of diving experience. Regardless of initial skill levels, participants quickly form a cohesive team, leveraging individual strengths and supporting one another to contribute to meaningful underwater research as Citizen Scientists. This collaboration highlights the shared passion for marine conservation and the collective ability to make an impact.
It’s all about connecting with others, sharing experiences and knowledge!
Making friends and having fun !
During the expedition, the time spent hovering above coral reefs for observations and recordings significantly enhances buoyancy control and fish identification skills. Divers become adept at recognizing key species that indicate reef health, deepening their understanding of marine ecosystems. Participants also gain valuable insights into identifying coral bleaching and damage, furthering their knowledge of coral biology and threats to these vital habitats.
This week-long experience not only enriches participants’ diving abilities but also instills a heightened awareness of environmental stewardship. The Maldives expedition is more than just a diving trip—it’s a transformative journey that creates better, more conscious divers who carry these lessons into future underwater adventures.
Such an amazing bunch of people with a shared passion of the underwater
For anyone seeking an extraordinary scuba diving experience combined with learning about coral reefs and their conservation, the Maldives Coral Reef Expedition with Biosphere Expeditions comes highly recommended. It’s an opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying the unparalleled beauty of the Maldivian waters.
Photos clicked by Carsten Riedl and Arnav Mathur
