When I first began my work as a marine biologist in the Maldives, my attention, like many newcomers, was captured by the obvious beauty- schools of reef fish darting through turquoise shallows, sea turtles gliding effortlessly, and the soft rhythm of the tide against white sand. But it didn’t take long for my focus to shift to the quieter, less celebrated ecosystem that was truly holding this delicate paradise together- the seagrass meadows and coral reefs.
These are not just “parts” of the marine environment to me. They are my colleagues, partners and sometimes patients- living systems I monitor, protect and fight for.
I remember my first seagrass survey here at Dhifushi Island vividly. The water was shallow and still, the blades swaying like underwater fields in the breeze or i would also call them as Underwater Rainforest. A cowtail stingray was grazing alongside a school of tiny fish, both using the meadow as a refuge. Most people overlook these meadows, assuming they’re just patches of seaweed. In reality, they are among the most efficient carbon sinks on the planet, capable of locking away carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. Their roots stabilize our seabeds, protect our shorelines from erosion and filter the water to keep it clear for reefs. But, in my years of fieldwork, I’ve also seen them vanish – sometimes cleared for aesthetic lagoon views, other times buried by coastal development. The loss is immediate and measurable where fewer fish, murkier water and shorelines are more vulnerable to storms.
Meanwhile, coral reefs. They are not just tourist attractions, they are the living breakwaters that protect every Maldivian Islands. As I swim along these reefs during my dives, snorkeling or even surveys, I often think about the centuries it took for them to grow – millimeter by millimeter and how a single bleaching event can undo decades of that work. During the 2024 mass bleaching, I witnessed entire sections of reef turn ghostly white in just weeks, from hard corals to soft corals. It felt like watching a friend fade away! But I’ve also seen signs of resilience, where tiny coral recruits are settling in, slowly rebuilding their communities and given the chance to strive again. Not everyone is aware that healthy reefs support our fisheries, sustain tourism and safeguards biodiversity. Without them, island life as we know it would be impossible.
I always believe that my career is not just a profession, it's a commitment to protecting the fragile ecosystems that sustain life here.
Every project I take on, every dive I complete, and every conservation I have with curious guests or local communities is part of a larger mission: to ensure that the ocean remains healthy for generations to come.
I conduct seagrass health surveys, recording coverage, species diversity and signs of stress, and share this data with local authority and NGO to ensure these meadows are recognized not as wastelands, but as essential carbon sinks, fish nurseries, and coastal protectors. At the same time, the coral reefs surrounding our islands serve as my underwater laboratories and sanctuaries. I also participate in coral health assessments, monitoring bleaching, disease, and recovery, and in damaged areas, I lead coral propagation projects by attaching healthy fragments to frames, ropes and natural substrates to accelerate regrowth. These restored reef patches not only rebuild marine habitats but also inspire both local communities and guests to become passionate advocates for ocean conservation.
Effective conservation is only possible when people are informed, involved and empowered.
To foster this connection, I design and deliver marine education programs for diverse audiences including local communities, school groups that I also called them as Front-line Guardians, and our international guests in the resort (Niyama Private Island Maldives). By integrating scientific knowledge with practical, culturally relevant solutions, I aim to build a shared sense of stewardship for the ocean’s resources- to bring science into action of conservation.
From my perspective in the field, the solutions are clear; to protect the strongholds. Safeguards healthy seagrass and reef areas with strict no-dredging and no anchor policies. Work with, not against nature where we must integrate conservation into resort’s or developers designs, preserving the ecosystems that make every destination world-famous. And, build community stewardship to be guardians of the sea.
My professional’s plea, from my heart. Every day, my work reminds me that the Maldives is not just a postcard but it’s a living, breathing network of relationship between people and the sea. Seagrass and coral may not command the same attention as manta rays, whalesharks, dolphins or even sea-turtles but without them, those icons wouldn’t survive either. These ecosystems are not luxuries. They are our life-support systems. And as someone who works among them daily, measuring their health, witnessing their losses and celebrating their resilience. I can tell you this: the ocean is still willing to recover. We just need to give it the chance.
Protecting these ecosystems is not just a scientific duty; it is a commitment to future generations. By safeguarding seagrass meadows and coral reefs, integrating conservation into development, and empowering local communities to become stewards of the sea, we can build a sustainable society where both people and nature thrive.
The ocean has always cared for us, now it is our turn to care for it.
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Meimei Ismail
Meimei Ismail is a marine biologist from Malaysia, currently based in the Maldives, specializing in coral reef & sea turtle conservation. With hands-on experience in habitat restoration, ecological monitoring, and community engagement, she works to protect marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable practices that benefit both nature and local communities and guests from around the world- turning science into action of conservation.
Meimei Ismail
Meimei Ismail is a marine biologist from Malaysia, currently based in the Maldives, specializing in coral reef & sea turtle conservation. With hands-on experience in habitat restoration, ecological monitoring, and community engagement, she works to protect marine ecosystems while promoting sustainable practices that benefit both nature and local communities and guests from around the world- turning science into action of conservation.
