Maldives’ first Shark Research and Conservation Hub opens in Fuvahmulah

The Maldives' first Shark Research and Conservation Hub was inaugurated in Fuvahmulah City on Thursday.

The facility was established by The Miyaru Program, a Maldivian organization dedicated to researching shark populations, collecting critical scientific data and advancing shark conservation efforts in the Maldives and its surrounding waters. The hub is intended to serve as a central platform for collaboration among researchers, conservationists and local communities.

The centre was officially inaugurated by Fuvahmulah City Mayor Ismail Rafeeq.

According to The Miyaru Program, the hub will serve as a dedicated space for scientific research, education and professional collaboration, while promoting innovative approaches to marine conservation.

Fuvahmulah has been recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2020. According to findings by The Miyaru Program, more than 300 individual tiger sharks have been identified in the region through photo-identification. The organization’s research also indicates that the area serves as a key nursery and gestation site for pregnant tiger sharks. In addition to tiger sharks, the centre conducts specialized monitoring programs for other species, including thresher sharks and whale sharks. The Fuvahmulah Thresher Project, launched in late 2025, continues to study the behavior and movement patterns of thresher sharks in the area.

Following the inauguration, the Fuvahmulah City Council pledged its full support for the initiative. The Council stated that while preserving Fuvahmulah's reputation as one of the world's leading shark-diving destinations, it remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at protecting the marine environment.

The Council further noted that, with Fuvahmulah's economy heavily dependent on dive tourism, the conservation of marine ecosystems is essential to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the industry.