We all take pleasure in diving and seeing vibrant coral reefs thriving with life, yet many people know little about what they are actually seeing or the importance of reef ecosystems. At Dive Desk, we take every opportunity to create awareness of the complexity of these habitats, the threats faced by these vital systems and encourage actions to protect and conserve marine environment. One way we work to raise awareness is by facilitating awareness sessions to tourists at resorts and live-aboards, like the Coral Reef Conservation session conducted by Dive Desk founder Adam Ashraf at Malahini Kuda Bandos last night.

More than 99% of the 90,000 square kilometer of Maldives is ocean. A tropical archipelago of more than a thousand islands, colorful coral reefs infringe the islands, atolls and shoals, hosting an enchanting array of diverse forms of marine life. Coral reefs are an essential part of the ocean environment; 25% of fish species spend some part of their life cycle in reefs and an estimated 80% of the oxygen we breathe comes from the ocean.

And yet, over-fishing, ocean acidification and pollution are pushing coral reefs into oblivion. Only by understanding how coral reefs function and the complex nature of life on a reef can individuals be inspired to take action to curb the human activity that is posing an existential crisis to the coral reefs systems.

Dive Desk is thankful for opportunities like this to speak to engaged audiences about understanding, exploring and protecting what we all love, the ocean.