The inauguration was officiated by Minister of Fisheries & Ocean Resources, Mr. Ahmed Shiyam, marking a major step forward in reef restoration research and development in the Maldives. The Project ReefSeed, is a three-year collaborative effort between Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), funded by the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP). 

The ReefSeed system was developed at AIMS and is currently operational at the Mariculture Research and Training Facility in K. Maniyafushi. This project aims to enhance coral restoration efforts by employing larval-based techniques that maximize egg and larvae production through ReefSeed’s mass spawning technology. Traditional restoration approaches have been characterized by slow progress, high costs, and substantial resource requirements, thereby limiting their scalability. The use of larvae facilitates increased genetic diversity, which contributes to greater coral resilience. Larvae produced within the system are settled prior to deployment on designated reef sites. Given that the coral spawning period in the Maldives typically occurs between February to May, project activities commenced during this timeframe to ensure effective outcomes. The work remains ongoing, providing further opportunities to expand research in this field. 

Prior to the ReefSeed Demonstration Day, in 2024, two staff members from the Maldives Marine Research Institute visited the AIMS facility in Australia to undertake training on how the system works. They were taught how to operate the equipment to maximize positive outcomes, which also included an introduction to newer and more useful technology. 

The launch of ReefSeed marks a new era in coral restoration in the Maldives, giving hope for healthier reefs and more resilient marine ecosystems.