Hi, I’m Aya.​

I’m a Maldivian marine biologist, conservationist, surfer, and storyteller, working with science, community, and the ocean. With a background in marine biology from The University of Queensland, I’ve spent more than a decade working across coral reef conservation and research, environmental policy, surf culture, and public outreach in the Maldives.

I’m the Co-founder and Chief Research and Outreach Officer of the  Maldives Coral Institute, where I lead research, restoration, and community engagement initiatives focused on protecting vulnerable reef ecosystems. My work has connected local island communities with global conversations on climate resilience, ocean restoration, and sustainable futures.

Alongside scientific and advocacy work, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in international media and ocean storytelling through documentary productions, campaigns, and public speaking. I have appeared in features and productions by  BBC,  Surfer Magazine,  Service95,  Le Monde, and  Nekton, sharing stories about reef conservation, surf culture, climate change, and life in the Maldives. My productions include documentaries and multimedia campaigns centered on coral restoration and island communities.

Surfing has also been a big part of my life and connection to the ocean, influencing the way I understand the marine environment and island communities. I believe that by sharing stories from the Maldives, through film, media, public speaking, conservation work, and grassroots initiatives, we can advocate for the protection of coral reefs and coastal communities for future generations.