We are excited to share some incredible updates from one of our collaborators, Dive Desk, whose team has been making remarkable strides in marine biodiversity research right here in the Maldives. In partnership with the Small Islands Research Group and renowned nudibranch specialist Dr Marta Pola of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, their work is shedding new light on a fascinating but often overlooked group of marine animals: nudibranchs.
Over the past year, the Dive Desk team, led by Ibrahim Jilwaz (@divechillz), Azim Musthag, and Adam Ashraf, has been conducting a detailed survey of nudibranch species along Malé reef under a scientific research permit granted by the Government of Maldives. Working across two carefully chosen sampling points, this project has already identified over 130 different species of nudibranchs, with 30 more awaiting formal description. Within a mere 100-meter stretch of reef, the team discovered 10+ specimens that are potentially new to science.
Each specimen is documented meticulously: photographed in situ and in controlled settings, measured, relaxed using magnesium chloride, and preserved in ethanol for taxonomic work at the Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. These detailed protocols are essential to ensure accurate identification and description, especially when distinguishing new species.
This marks Phase 1 of a larger, long-term study aimed at uncovering the full richness of nudibranch diversity in the Maldives. We are now working to expand the research to additional sites, bring in more collaborators, and launch a citizen science component that will invite divers, underwater photographers, and ocean enthusiasts to contribute sightings and data.
Why does this matter? Nudibranchs are not only among the most visually stunning marine creatures, but they also serve as bioindicators, species whose presence or absence can reveal important clues about the health of coral reef ecosystems. However, despite their ecological significance, the diversity of nudibranchs in the Maldives remains largely undocumented. This research is helping to fill that gap.
Each specimen is documented meticulously: photographed in situ and in controlled settings, measured, relaxed using magnesium chloride, and preserved in ethanol for taxonomic work at the Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. These detailed protocols are essential to ensure accurate identification and description, especially when distinguishing new species.
This marks Phase 1 of a larger, long-term study aimed at uncovering the full richness of nudibranch diversity in the Maldives. We are now working to expand the research to additional sites, bring in more collaborators, and launch a citizen science component that will invite divers, underwater photographers, and ocean enthusiasts to contribute sightings and data.
Why does this matter? Nudibranchs are not only among the most visually stunning marine creatures, but they also serve as bioindicators, species whose presence or absence can reveal important clues about the health of coral reef ecosystems. However, despite their ecological significance, the diversity of nudibranchs in the Maldives remains largely undocumented. This research is helping to fill that gap.