The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) at The Maldives National University joined forces with the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) to host the 6th Maldives Marine Science Symposium, the country’s premier forum for marine research. The two-day symposium, held from 4 to 5 August 2026 at MNU’s Central Auditorium, brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to share findings and discuss key issues facing the Maldivian marine environment.

The symposium featured a total of 47 research presentations — 32 oral and 15 posters covering five key thematic areas: coral reefs, restoration and climate change; fisheries governance and society; sea turtle ecology, health and conservation; sharks, rays and other megafauna; and coastal ecosystems and seabirds .

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam emphasised the importance of scientific evidence in policymaking. He noted that the research presented would play a critical role in shaping policies for the sustainable management of the country’s marine resources.

The collaboration between CFOS and MMRI reflects a shared commitment to advancing marine science in the Maldives. As the university’s dedicated college for fisheries and ocean sciences, CFOS provides academic expertise and research capacity, while MMRI brings its mandate as the national body for marine research. For CFOS, hosting the symposium at MNU’s Central Auditorium underscored the university’s role as a hub for marine science education and research in the Maldives. The event also provided an opportunity for students and academics to engage directly with the latest scientific developments in the field.