Media release – 3 November 2026
Biosphere Expeditions has concluded its 15th annual Maldives coral reef conservation expedition. Operating amidst the complex pressures of marine over-development and shifting climatic baselines, citizen scientists and marine researchers completed rigorous Reef Check surveys, yielding both cautious optimism and stark warnings for the future of tropical reef ecosystems.
Reefs better than expected – but monster El Niño approaching
Contrary to prevailing anxieties, preliminary results showed that Maldivian reefs were in a better state than expected. Most notably, a reef in North Male’ Atoll that had previously phase-shifted away from hard corals to brown corallimorphs – resulting in drastically reduced biodiversity and structural complexity – was found to be on a recovery trend against expectations, showing encouraging coral patches returning. The likely environmental drivers behind this recovery will be assessed in the full scientific report for the expedition, scheduled for publication in Q1 2027.
However, these encouraging local findings occur against the sobering backdrop of an approaching monster El Niño event. Gathering strength across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the phenomenon is projected to peak around December and January. Marine scientists warn that this intense thermal stress threatens widespread and catastrophic bleaching across Maldivian waters and coral reef communities worldwide. This looming crisis echoes findings in a recent United Nations report, which paints a dire outlook for marine biodiversity and reef persistence globally over the coming decades.
Putting a local protégée in charge
In line with its Manifesto for a Troubled Planet, Biosphere Expeditions subjects all operations to rigorous internal triage, prioritising projects that safeguard biological refugia and foster local stewardship. Thanks to the Maldives project passing this strict evaluation, the expedition will continue, anchored by a landmark transition in scientific leadership. Shaha Hashim – who originally joined a Biosphere Expeditions survey as a local placement in 2014 – attended this year’s expedition and is set formally to take over the baton as expedition scientist from 2027 onwards. This milestone stands as a testament to long-term capacity-strengthening and genuine local empowerment, delivering a structural success story independent of climatic pressures.
Shaha Hashim plans to utilise future expeditions to identify critical reef refugia in the Maldives and upskill Maldivians in the marine conservation field. This work will be conducted in close collaboration with Maldives Resilient Reefs, a Maldivian NGO Shaha co-founded and currently leads as Executive Director. Shaha takes over from marine biologist Dr Simon Harding who brought extensive expertise in tropical reef ecology and habitat assessment to the expedition.
Quotes from expedition leadership
Dr. Matthias Hammer, founder and executive director of Biosphere Expeditions, stated:
“We refuse to indulge in performative optimism or greenwashed platitudes. Our oceans are under attack and the approaching El Niño is a formidable threat that could wipe out years of fragile gains in a matter of weeks. Yet, amidst these ecological upheavals, we bear witness to stubborn coral resilience. Seeing our former 2014 placement Shaha Hashim step up to lead this research is the exact definition of what conservation should achieve: handing stewardship to where it belongs, in local hands.”
Shaha Hashim, incoming expedition scientist and Executive Director of Maldives Resilient Reefs, added:
“My placement with Biosphere Expeditions in 2014 was an important stepping stone in developing my skills in coral reef monitoring. Since then, I have continued to build my scientific expertise and co-founded Maldives Resilient Reefs, an NGO dedicated to nurturing a future where Maldivians benefit from the effective protection and management of our ocean. I am delighted to return as lead scientist for Biosphere Expeditions Maldives from 2027 onwards. This is an exciting opportunity to continue monitoring the health of our reefs, identify potential climate refugia for protection, and, equally importantly, empower more Maldivians with the skills and experience to lead scientific surveys, training and expeditions.”
Dr. Simon Harding, marine biologist and expedition scientist, commented:
“The partial recovery of reefs previously dominated by corallimorphs shows us that marine ecosystems still hold capacity for surprising natural recovery, even under persistent background stress. However, as extreme thermal events become more frequent, continued monitoring is vital to identify the more resilient reef habitats that can hold out against rising temperatures. After previously working closely with Shaha for a number of years in the Maldives, I have full confidence in her ability to lead the marine science for future expeditions.”
Read also:
- Expedition diary
- Expedition results and achievements over the years
- Press releases and media coverage of the Maldives expedition
NOTES TO EDITORS
Media contact: Dr. Matthias Hammer, m.hammer@biosphere-expeditions.org
Biosphere Expeditions is a wildlife conservation non-profit first and foremost, driven by science and citizen scientists. Our planet is in crisis, with nature under attack like never before. We believe everyone has the power to change this. Mindful of nature, we empower people through citizen science and hands-on wildlife conservation. We are a non-profit, visionary, award-winning and ethical conservation organisation. We are a member of the IUCN, the UN’s Environment Programme and the European Citizen Science Association. Working hand-in-hand with local biologists and communities since 1999, we champion change and protect nature. And we succeed – the creation of protected areas on four continents is just one example of our many achievements.
Citizen science is defined as “public participation in scientific research”. It is an important vehicle for democratising science and promoting the goal of universal and equitable access to scientific data and information. In addition, data generated by citizen science groups have become an increasingly important source for scientists, applied users and those pursuing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In nature conservation in particular, international citizen science has become increasingly important as a duel stream of data and funding.
RESOURCES
Online press pack with image library, press releases & news, press trip information, etc.
Full list of forthcoming expeditions (press trip offers available 4-8 weeks in advance).
Annual Biosphere Expeditions Magazines with stories from the field, achievements, etc.
Manifesto for a Troubled Planet and new book about the Manifesto