The Maldives has successfully completed a pilot program and officially implemented Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) technology to support reef restoration and marine conservation efforts. The pilot program was successfully completed as part of the D’MADD project’s subcomponent 3.2, which explores leveraging digital technologies and tools for climate adaptation.

The pilot program was conducted by Ocean World of Sound by Michelle’s Earth Foundation. Ocean World of Sound is a program dedicated to studying and preserving underwater soundscapes, specializing in PAM technology.

In the official event hosted to use PAM in the Maldives for the first time for reef restoration and marine conservation, the Special Envoy for Climate Change, Mr. Ali Shareef highlighted that he was involved in the initial discussion and presentation on use of digital technologies for environmental monitoring and conservation, expressed his delight that the PAM technology pilot was successfully completed. However, he highlighted the many past projects that were completed yet failed to proceed further after the project completion. He advised to ensure that the knowledge attained from this pilot is practiced and used consistently from this point forward.

Dr. Ibrahim Waheed, Project Manager for the D’MADD project, emphasized sustaining the pilots' success after completion. He noted the effort the D’MADD project made to build local capacity in the use of PAM technology by providing the necessary tools, software, and training.

During the pilot program that continued from 7th April to 30th May 2025, 22 participants were given the opportunity to join the training. 17 participants completed the training program of 24 hours, which was conducted over 4 weeks with in-class theory sessions and field practice. Ten officials from the Environment Protection Agency, two Officials from the Maldives Marine Research Institute, three Students from the Maldives National University and two marine biologists from the civil society completed the training. 

The participants had learned listening skills to isolate different sounds from a recording and use the skill to record data manually. Furthermore, the participants were trained to use specialised software to analyse bioacoustics recorded in Rasfari Reef over the implementation period. Additionally, the participants were taught how to prepare for a deployment and retrieval mission with necessary planning, paperwork and safety. The participants were also given field experience for a deployment and retrieval mission.

PAM technology is a low-cost solution that employs affordable recording devices that collect bioacoustics. The devices are deployed and left over for a period of time before retrieval. The technology allows a non-invasive solution for gathering data day or night and in all weather conditions. The absence of human activity allows scientists to observe the natural behaviour of marine species in the environment.

Rasfari Reef is a marine protected area known for its biodiversity. In 2019, a cargo ship ran aground on the western side of the reef, causing severe damage to the reef structure. The government initiated a “Restore Rasfari” project to restore the damaged area. The PAM tech pilot by the D’MADD project assisted the EPA in monitoring the area for life by comparing data from the damaged areas to that of a healthy sector of the reef. The pilot has proven that PAM technology can be widely used across other restoration projects in the Maldives. Marine biologists and enthusiasts can also use it to record data across the vast reef systems in the Maldives, collecting non-existent baseline data. Data that could help the countries battle the negative impact of climate change.