The pilot project applying Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) technology for coral reef restoration has been completed. The pilot project commenced on 8th April 2025 under the Subcomponent 3.2, leveraging digital technologies and tools for climate adaption.

The project was carried out by led by experts from Ocean World of Sound in collaboration with Environmental Regulatory Authority (ERA [formerly Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)]) and other partners, which marked the first use of PAM for reef monitoring in the Maldives.

The pilot project aimed to establish a baseline, while building local capacity for ongoing reef health monitoring. This technology enables continuous, non-invasive data collection on reef soundscapes, offering new insights into ecosystem dynamics.

During the final presentation of findings, stakeholders highlighted the project’s success in training government staff, involving university students, and fostering inter-agency collaboration. The data collected revealed valuable ecological information and demonstrated the potential of PAM to support long-term reef restoration and conservation in the Maldives.

During the pilot program, which was held 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. Participants include 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 organisations.

Participants, including representatives from ERA and Maldives National University, expressed enthusiasm for expanding the use of PAM across the Maldives and exploring applications beyond reefs, such as seabird monitoring.

Project partners emphasized that while the pilot has concluded, collaboration and knowledge-sharing will continue, with opportunities for follow-up research and scaling up efforts nationwide.