Shark paradise - Maldives, Fuvahmulah

Earlier this year, @oceanculturelife storyteller @jonoallenphotography asked us to support him on the important storytelling journey behind setting up Fuvahmulah Marine Foundation alongside @lonubreak in order to protect the local marine ecosystem and dive sites on the island of Fuvahmulah. ⁠ ⁠ Commonly known by the nation as ‘Shark Island’ due to an almost guaranteed sight of arguably the healthiest tiger shark population in the world. This community have slowly surfed, swam, dived and fished their way into a peaceful, harmonious relationship with a species that’s widely feared and threatened. ⁠ ⁠ The small island hasn’t typically been a popular holiday destination, but the recent recognition of its shark population and marine life has resulted in a dramatic increase in attention. But like a lot of growth, there’s the opportunity to do it the right way, the way this gem of an island deserves, and then there’s the devastating way. ⁠ ⁠ Fuvahmulah Marine Foundation is a locally driven non-profit dedicated to protecting and conserving the pristine marine ecosystem that surrounds the Maldivian island paradise of Fuvahmulah.⁠ ⁠ Help us keep this shark haven safe, and join us one day in experiencing it for yourself. ⁠ ⁠ Read more via @protectingsharkparadise and in the latest issue of @oceanographic_mag ⁠ A special thanks to everyone who made this story possible ⁠ @lonubreak @jonoallenphotography @mattporteous @tamsinraine @_charyse @emiline_ch @oceanographic_mag