Mariyam Thuhufaa, Senior Marine Biologist and Scuba Instructor at Siyam World Maldives | MV+ Exclusive

“Over the past four years, we’ve seen the reef recover remarkably. Even after a major coral bleaching event, it bounced back quickly, and we’re seeing more fish, sharks and other marine life returning. That gives us hope that our reef is becoming more resilient,” says Thuhu.

Mariyam Thuhufaa, Senior Marine Biologist and Scuba Instructor at Siyam World Maldives, joined the resort ahead of its opening after working as a marine researcher at the Maldives Marine Research Institute. Over the past four years, she has led marine conservation initiatives while introducing guests to the rich underwater ecosystems of the Maldives. She has also been closely involved in the resort’s Wreck to Reef project from its earliest planning stages, helping prepare the vessel before it was intentionally submerged and later monitoring how corals, fish and other marine life gradually colonised the artificial reef.

According to Thuhu, the project offers a rare opportunity to study artificial reefs in the Maldives, where shipwrecks are common but scientific research on their ecological impact remains limited. She also highlighted the remarkable transformation of Siyam World’s house reef since the resort opened. Although the reef was initially recovering from construction, marine life steadily returned, with increasing numbers of fish, sharks and invertebrates. Even after a major coral bleaching event, the reef recovered quickly, strengthening confidence in its growing resilience.

Looking ahead, Thuhu hopes initiatives such as Wreck to Reef will expand across the Maldives, raising awareness of marine conservation and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in marine science.

She believes collaboration between resorts, local communities and researchers can help protect the nation’s reefs, advance scientific understanding and inspire future generations to safeguard the ocean.