Ooredoo Maldives and Stream Foundation have marked a major milestone in their collaborative efforts with the Maldives Coral Institute, reporting notable advancements in a cutting-edge coral reef monitoring initiative near Fulhadhoo Island. Launched in early 2023, the partnership integrates advanced underwater surveillance with Ooredoo’s robust network infrastructure, delivering near real-time data on marine life and reef health from one of the country’s most remote oceanic environments.
Central to this initiative is the deployment of high-resolution underwater cameras powered by Ooredoo Maldives’ high-speed connectivity. These cameras continuously capture and transmit critical insights on fish activity, coral resilience, and overall biodiversity—supporting science-based marine conservation.
In 2024 alone, the monitoring system documented 15,728 fish sightings, averaging 43 per day. The project’s most active day was April 20, with 402 individual fish recorded—highlighting the ecological richness of the Fulhadhoo reef system.
Beyond tracking marine life, the footage has played a vital role in documenting the evolving condition of the coral reef. Episodes of coral bleaching have been observed, but researchers are also seeing consistent signs of recovery—an encouraging indicator of the reef’s adaptive strength amid climate stressors.
Ooredoo Maldives’ contribution has been pivotal. By enabling real-time transmission from underwater installations, the telecom provider has overcome one of the most significant challenges in oceanic research: reliable data delivery from remote marine environments. The uninterrupted connectivity allows researchers, conservationists, and government agencies to act swiftly based on real-time ecosystem changes.
Commenting on the initiative, Ooredoo Maldives CEO Khalid Al-Hamadi stated, “We are pleased to witness the positive impact of our partnership with Stream Foundation and the Maldives Coral Institute. This initiative reflects our long-standing commitment to environmental sustainability. By leveraging technology, we’re not only protecting marine biodiversity but also supporting local communities and the tourism sector that relies on a healthy ocean ecosystem.”
As the program enters its third year, Ooredoo Maldives and its partners are now looking to expand this innovative monitoring approach to additional coral reefs and sensitive marine habitats throughout the Maldives. The move aligns with a broader vision of integrating digital solutions into national conservation frameworks, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to protect the natural environment.
With rising climate threats to coral ecosystems globally, this project stands as a model for combining telecommunications and environmental science to drive meaningful, data-led conservation action.
