MAEESHA MOHAMED

President

Maeesha Mohamed is a Maldivian marine science and conservation advocate with a long-standing commitment to manta ray research and community-led ocean conservation. She is currently pursuing an MSc degree in Fiji through a fully funded Ocean Country Partnership Scholarship, her research examines how stakeholder inclusivity in decision-making shapes perceptions of effectiveness and compliance within locally managed marine areas (LMMAs).

Maeesha has been part of the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) since 2015, progressing from marine biology intern to Assistant Project Manager across Thaa and Laamu Atolls, and later serving as Maldives Education Manager, where she led national education and outreach initiatives including Moodhu Madharusaa (Ocean School).

She previously served as Science & Communications Liaison for Noo Raajje, the Maldives Chapter of the Blue Prosperity Coalition supporting marine spatial planning and science communication. She has also contributed to government-led coral reef monitoring and climate adaptation initiatives, as well as collaborated with IUCN and the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management and is a certified PADI Divemaster with a career focused on bridging science, policy, and public engagement.

DR. SHIHAM ADAM

Vice President

Dr Shiham Adam is a Maldivian fisheries scientist and marine policy leader with extensive experience in science-based fisheries management. He currently serves as Senior Science and Project Lead with the International Pole-and-Line Foundation (IPNLF), having previously held senior roles within the Maldivian government, including Director General of the Marine Research Centre.

Throughout his career, Shiham has been instrumental in developing sustainable fisheries frameworks in the Maldives. His work includes contributions to grouper fishery regulations, aggregation protection strategies, and advisory input on landmark policies such as the national shark fishing ban. He has consistently advocated for balancing ecological sustainability with the livelihoods of local fishers.

At IPNLF, Shiham supports global partnerships, certification initiatives such as the Marine Stewardship Council, and regional tuna stock recovery plans. His work bridges science, policy, and industry, helping position the Maldives as a global leader in sustainable fisheries and marine stewardship.

ABDULLA SIVAD

Vice President

Abdulla Sivad is a highly experienced Maldivian dive professional and underwater videographer with a lifelong connection to the ocean. He began scuba diving in 1998 and has since logged over 13,000 dives, building decades of hands-on experience in Maldivian waters. Since 2002, he has worked professionally as an underwater videographer, documenting the country’s rich marine biodiversity.

Sivad is a PADI Divemaster and Instructor and has spent much of his career within the tourism dive sector, including over a decade with Four Seasons and later with Scubazoo at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. Originally from Fuvahmulah Atoll, he is currently based at Bandos Maldives, where he continues to work as a divemaster.

He has supported the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme since its early days, contributing to pioneering manta ray research expeditions as an expert guide and research assistant. His exceptional field knowledge continues to make him a valued contributor to manta ray research and conservation in the Maldives.

ZOONA NASEEM

Secretary

Zoona Naseem is a highly respected figure in the Maldivian diving community and the country’s first female PADI Course Director. With over 30 years of experience in the local dive and tourism industry, she has trained divers from beginner to professional level and played a key role in strengthening local capacity. She is the co-founder of Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Centre on Villingili Island near Malé.

Zoona has dedicated much of her career to making diving accessible to Maldivians, particularly women and children. Through her dive centre, she has supported marine education initiatives such as the Ministry of Education’s Farukoe pilot programme, which aimed to ensure every child could snorkel and experience their local reef.

She has also contributed to marine safety by advising on rescue diver training for local fishermen and mentoring government youth scholarship recipients. Zoona continues to inspire new generations of ocean advocates through education, mentorship, and community engagement.

MOOSA MOHAMED

Treasurer

Moosa Mohamed has been involved with the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme since 2011, when he joined as one of its earliest Maldivian interns. He was promoted to Assistant Project Manager in 2012 and later helped establish the Manta Trust’s partnership at Six Senses Laamu, contributing to both research and community outreach efforts.

Over the years, Moosa has played an important role in strengthening MMCP’s presence while also becoming a respected figure within the Maldivian surfing and diving communities. He remains actively involved in promoting environmentally responsible tourism and ocean awareness.

Currently officiating surfing events and mentoring young surfers, Moosa continues to support conservation initiatives that protect reefs and marine life from unsustainable development. His long-term commitment reflects a strong dedication to safeguarding the Maldives’ marine environment for future generations.