The Dean of CFOS took part in a workshop held at the Marine Lab in Jawakara Resort in Lhaviyani Atoll, sharing a presentation titled “Tuna Tales: Science, Sustainability, and Future of the Maldives Tuna Fishery.” More than 20 international experts participated in the workshop and presented on several topics including island ecosystems, natural adaptations to sea-level rise, and ecosystem energetics.

The Dean’s presentation highlighted the cultural, economic, and ecological significance of tuna to the Maldives, where the fishery has been a cornerstone of livelihoods and food security for centuries. It examined the science underpinning stock assessments, the sustainability of traditional pole-and-line and handline fishing methods, and the emerging challenges posed by climate change, shifting migration patterns, and rising global demand. The talk also explored the future of the sector in the context of the blue economy, emphasising the need for science-based management, strengthened monitoring, and greater investment in local research capacity to ensure that Maldivian tuna fisheries remain productive and resilient for generations to come.

The workshop brought together leading researchers and practitioners from around the world, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue on the interconnected challenges facing island nations. Discussions on island ecosystems and natural adaptations to sea-level rise underscored the importance of understanding how coral reefs, coastal vegetation, and human communities respond to environmental change, while sessions on ecosystem energetics shed light on the flow of energy through marine food webs and its implications for fisheries productivity. The gathering at Jawakara Resort’s Marine Lab exemplified the role of collaborative research in informing policy and management, and reinforced the Maldives’ position as a hub for marine science in the Indian Ocean region.