
Carpe Diem Cruises are very excited to be taking part in a research expedition for 26 days spanning the Maldives archipelago, led by Waitt Institute. Maldives Marine Research Institute and SCRIPPS 100 island challenge The expedition is made up of experts from The Maldives and globally, representing 7 countries (Maldives, Tonga, Portugal, French Polynesia, Seychelles, Australia and the US). We will be studying coral reefs, fish and benthic populations, and water quality across the Maldives. You can follow the expedition at #Nooraajje #KanduFalhuDhirassa #BlueProsperity #WaittExpedition @thecoralinstitute @nektonmission @oceanoazul @ucsantarbarbara @presidencymv @vavauenviro

What an honor also to have His Excellency President Solih of the Maldives and Speaker of Parliament and former President Nasheed join us underwater on our expedition to see how we are collecting data on coral reefs. Pictured is 100 island challenge SCRIPPS ocean Project Coordinator Brian Zgliczynski.
This year at the 74th UN General Assembly His Excellency President Solih took the stage and pledged to protect the oceans of the Maldives and the livelihoods that rely on them and joined in partnership with the Blue Prosperity Coalition.
This scientific expedition marks the beginning of a longterm partnership between the Government of the Maldives and the Blue Prosperity Coalition, a global network of governments, NGOs and academic institutions working to protect our oceans so that we can improve local jobs, lives, and the health of the planet now and for the future.

Phase one of the partnership between the Maldives and Blue Prosperity Coalition assesses the impacts and characterizes fish populations across the Northern and Southern atolls. The process also includes sustainable financing as well as blue economy assessments.
Phase two includes mainly involves in the development of a Marine spatial plan. This is a map-based planning process will include stakeholders from local ministries, NGOs, and marine scientists from the #Maldives and from abroad.
Phase three of the five-year program will be directed towards management and implementation. The research will help policymakers to implement sustainable tourism practices that will improve ocean livelihoods without compromising ocean health.