The College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) at The Maldives National University inaugurated a new student wing under the Maldives National University Students’ Union (MNUSU). Named the Allied Biologists and Young Scientists of the Sea (ABYSS), the initiative is designed to foster a vibrant community of aspiring marine scientists, biologists, and ocean advocates within the college.

ABYSS will serve as a platform for CFOS students to engage in peer networking, collaborative learning, and extracurricular activities that complement their academic studies. The wing aims to strengthen student representation within the university’s governance structure while promoting ocean literacy and environmental stewardship among the next generation of Maldivian marine professionals. Through ABYSS, students will have opportunities to organise field expeditions, research symposia, and community outreach programmes that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world marine conservation challenges.

The establishment of ABYSS reflects the growing momentum behind CFOS, which was inaugurated in September 2024 as part of national efforts to modernise the fisheries sector and build local capacity in marine science and ocean resource management. As the college continues to expand, ABYSS will play a key role in cultivating a dynamic student community united by a shared commitment to safeguarding the Maldives’ fragile marine ecosystems for future generations.