Shaff Naeem, the Asian record holder for the 50-hour dive in 2022, has announced his next ambitious endeavour: Across Maldives. This unprecedented long-distance dive will span the length of the Maldives, starting from the northernmost tip of Haa Alif Atoll and ending at the southern edge of Seenu Atoll. Officially unveiled at the Malaysia Dive Expo in June 2024, the event will unfold in two phases over the next two years.

Phase 1: Malé Region World Record Event (February 2025)

The first milestone in Shaff’s journey will be a world record attempt in the Malé region. He and his team will embark on a single dive from Hulhumalé to Malé, covering a minimum distance of 14 kilometres underwater. This event aims to set a new world record while garnering global attention for the Across Maldives expedition.

Phase 2: Main Across Maldives Event (2026)

The main event will see Shaff dive across the entire Maldivian archipelago, covering 460 kilometres in a month. This ambitious journey will require meticulous planning and execution, supported by a technical team comprising local and international experts.

A Scientific and Community-Focused Expedition

The Across Maldives expedition is not just a test of endurance but also a platform for meaningful contributions to science and community engagement. The team will collect vital environmental data, including information on underwater terrain, the impact of climate change, and the presence of microplastics in Maldivian waters.

The expedition will also feature workshops and events on local islands, aimed at raising awareness about ocean conservation and sharing findings from the journey. By connecting with local communities, the initiative hopes to inspire Maldivians to engage deeply with their marine environment.

With the backing of local and international partners, Shaff’s team is working closely with the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Defence, and Maldives Police Services to ensure a safe and secure dive route. The Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) is promoting the event globally, showcasing the country’s unparalleled beauty and diving opportunities. International dive magazines have also spotlighted the project, amplifying its reach and significance.

Support and Fundraising Goals

Fundraising efforts are currently underway for Phase 1 of the project. Donations will support the organisation of world record dives, scientific research, and community engagement sessions. In addition, a documentary chronicling the journey is in production, slated for release in 2026.

Key areas of fund utilisation include:

• World Record Attempts: Organising logistics and acquiring gear for the dives.
• Research Expedition: Collecting open-access data on environmental DNA, microplastics, and coral reef health.
• Community Engagement: Conducting educational and awareness events across Maldivian islands.
• Documentary Production: Capturing the historic expedition for a global audience.

Supporters of the expedition can choose from various tiers of rewards, ranging from on-screen credits in the documentary to exclusive memorabilia like event keychains, t-shirts, personalised underwater photos, and a limited-edition coffee table photobook.

For Shaff, Across Maldives is more than a record-breaking attempt—it’s a tribute to his late father. Reflecting on his father’s words of encouragement, Shaff shared: “One of the last things my father said to me before he passed was that he wouldn’t be surprised if I dived all across the Maldives. This attempt is something I am dedicating to him. I sincerely thank you all for your support in making this journey a reality.”

To learn more or contribute to this groundbreaking project, visit the official event website at www.acrossmaldives.org. For details on Shaff Naeem’s previous achievements and ongoing efforts, visit www.oceansixfifty.org.

In a breakthrough for marine science, a new species of fish has been discovered in the pristine waters of the Maldives. Named Chromis Abadhah, the species derives its name from the Maldivian Dhivehi word Abadhah, meaning perpetual, symbolising the ongoing commitment to planetary conservation. The name also acknowledges the support of the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, which funded the research.

The fish was first spotted near Maafilaafushi in the Kaafu Atoll. Subsequent studies revealed that the species inhabits multiple regions of the Maldives, ranging from Lhaviyani Atoll to Dhaalu Atoll. Researchers documented the fish in eight distinct locations, indicating that it may be distributed across various parts of the country.

Chromis Abadhah resides at depths between 95 and 110 metres, in the mesophotic zone, where sunlight begins to fade. This habitat sets it apart from other species in its family, which are typically found in shallower waters of around 30 meters.

The new species belongs to the ‘Dan’ba’ family, a group of damselfish commonly found in Maldivian seas. However, Chromis Abadhah is distinct from its relatives in several ways:

• Unlike other Chromis species, it lacks the characteristic black cross line near the neck.
• Its upper shell comprises 14 bones, compared to the typical 13 seen in related species.

While other Chromis species, such as Chromis axillaris, Chromis pelora, and Chromis woodsi, are found in various parts of the world, Chromis Abadhah appears to be endemic to the Maldives, making it a unique addition to the region’s biodiversity.

The study was a collaborative effort involving Maldivian experts and international scientists. To better understand the species, researchers captured four specimens using a specialised net. Their findings, published in a scientific paper, highlight the importance of deep-sea exploration in uncovering hidden marine treasures.

The identification of Chromis Abadhah underscores the Maldives’ rich marine biodiversity and the critical role of research in its preservation. This discovery also emphasises the importance of protecting deep-sea habitats, which often harbour unique and endemic species.

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the MaRHE Centre of the University of Milano-Bicocca to advance research on tropical marine ecosystems in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, with a special focus on the region’s unique resident dolphin populations.

The resort will host a special event on the 12th of December 2024, to share current findings with the key stakeholders of the Maldives.

The partnership enables scientists and students to investigate why these dolphins remain resident—a rare occurrence in the Maldives. Researchers will identify dolphin species, analyze population structures, and use molecular ecology techniques to study their diet. Additionally, the collaboration includes studies on coral reefs and reef fish, expanding the understanding of the southern Maldives’ marine ecosystems.

Coordinated by Professor Paolo Galli, Director of the MaRHE Centre, the initiative also offers hands-on fieldwork opportunities for students specialising in marine biology.

“I am proud of this project, which allows us to expand our knowledge of marine ecology in these underexplored areas”, said Professor Paolo Galli.

The collaboration, facilitated by Italian Consul Giorgia Marazzi, is already underway. Under the guidance of renowned cetologist Elena Valsecchi, two master’s students from the International Marine Sciences programme are conducting fieldwork, supported by Mercure Maldives Kooddoo. Their research includes photo identification, vocalisation recordings, and environmental DNA analysis.

This partnership not only marks a significant step in understanding and preserving the unique marine ecosystems of the southern Maldives; it also aims to drive more visibility to the country’s awe-inspiring marine life and eco-tourism.