SIGS EXPEDITION
2024
Small Island Geographic Expedition 2024 was held on the occasion of women’s day on 8th March 2024 in South Male’ Atoll. Newly open water certified divers were given the opportunity to explore two famous dive sites, Emboodhoo Canyon and Vaadhoo Caves. This expedition was held in collaboration with Ocean Warriors dive school, led by a pioneer of diving in Maldives and regional manager of SSI.
SIGS encourages young people to explore the coral reefs of Maldives and develop a connection with our significant marine environment to promote conservation.
2022
Small Island Geographic Society Expedition 2022 was held in the central atolls of the Maldives from 16th - 25th April 2022. The expedition journeyed across Meemu, Thaa, Faafu, Alif Dhaal, and Kaafu Atoll on board Princess Hasina. The expedition carried out a number of activities. It included coral reef and marine environment monitoring at different sites in the central atolls including Veyvah corner, Muli corner, Five rocks, Kudarah Thila, and 7th Heaven.
During this expedition, two SIGS members were successfully certified as PADI Open Water Divers under the SIGS Ocean Explorers programme.
During the expedition, the team successfully tested an alpha version of an application developed by SIGS and Water Solutions to monitor the marine environment of the Maldives. The expedition piloted the application and the marine survey diving team provided feedback to the app development team.
SIGS in partnership with the Water Solutions marine survey and research team, launched the use of DPVs in marine surveys in this expedition. The use of DPVs in marine surveys allowed marine biologists to cover larger areas during a marine survey dive to coral reefs.