About
From what initially began as a scientific expedition in 2006, the MWSRP has grown to become the only long-term organisation dedicated to studying the iconic, yet vulnerable whale shark species in the Maldives.
Our goal is simple: we seek to advance the field of whale shark knowledge and to advocate for sound conservation policy in the Maldives. By encouraging and valuing community and industry stakeholder participation, we can leverage the scientific research to safeguard the rich biodiversity and fragile marine ecosystems that are the basis for whale sharks and life, livelihood and culture in the Maldives.
Our Team
Chloe Winn
Lead Infield Coordinator & Communications Manager
Chloe is a passionate researcher and conservationist, who has worked in field with the programme since 2019. Chloe volunteered with the programme in 2017 and has since then has accrued considerable knowledge and in water skills and is now undertaking her Masters degree at Plymouth University. With a creative background she always endeavours to bring an interdisciplinary approach to research, conservation and outreach to further amplify the plight of the world’s biggest fish.
Clara Cánovas Pérez
Research and Conservation Programme Consultant
As a former Lead In-Field Coordinator and later Operations Manager, Clara has earned her stripes (and spots…). She spends most of her time coordinating the Big Fish Network. She joined us as a volunteer in 2016 and has been part of the team since 2017.Clara comes from Mallorca, a small island in Spain. Seeing large megafauna was her childhood dream, which led her to an undergraduate degree in Environmental Sciences and then an MSc in Marine Ecology. Clara has participated in cetacean research projects and fisheries management projects and has helped in a chimpanzee sanctuary and veterinary hospitals. Before joining the MWSRP, she worked as a guide in nature reserves, focusing on sustainable tourism and conservation. Clara is also currently working as an environmental educator in the Mediterranean Sea and studying for a second master’s Degree.
Iru Zareer
Research Officer
Irthisham hails from the capital city of Malé and goes by her nickname ‘Iru’. Her pathway to the head of our field team started in her early years with an abundantly obvious passion for the ocean, she has fond recollections of waking up bright and early on weekends to swim in the sea with her father and sister and she has been inseparable from the ocean ever since.
Iru studied the Bachelor in Marine Sciente at the Maldives National University. Iru has spent seemingly every waking hour building her experience in the marine conservation field, above and below the waves. Iru is an environmental enthusiast and educator who, to a great extent, prefers the quiet island life of Maldives!
Iru has spent seemingly every waking hour building her experience in the marine conservation field, above and below the waves. Starting with an apprenticeship with IUCN during her gap year, Iru then joined the MWSRP field team. After leaving us temporarily to pursue higher education ambitions, she has returned to the Maldives and explored the dive scene, with qualifications as a Reef Check Eco Diver and PADI Divemaster leading to her now being a Green Fins Country Assessor.
Iru is an environmental enthusiast and educator who, to a great extent, prefers the quiet island life of Maldives! Iru has the unique pattern of almost every individual whale shark on the MWSRP database memorised and is able to recognise many of the individuals we encounter on the spot (excuse the pun…)! Iru is happiest by the sea and never strays too far, when she’s not in the water swimming with ocean giants or finding nudibranchs she can be found at the beach – usually with an ice cream in hand!
Ami Northam
In-Field Project Leader at Radisson Blu Resort
My journey into marine conservation began following a very fortunate visit to the Maldives at a young age – an experience which sparked my passion for the ocean and set me on the path to becoming a marine conservationist. That early spark led me to pursue a degree in Marine Conservation at the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom. During my undergraduate studies, I had the privilege of working alongside the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, to better understand the impacts of tourism on the local population of whale sharks. In 2021, I volunteered with the programme and quickly fell in love with these gentle giants. It became clear that I had discovered a newfound passion – one that inspired me to dedicate my career to understanding and protecting this extraordinary species. My collaboration with MWSRP deepened during my master’s degree in Marine Biology and laid the foundation for my career in conservation. After completing my studies, I worked for the Marine Conservation Society in the Seychelles as the Whale Shark Programme Lead, where I also earned my Divemaster certification.
Zim
Assistant In-field
Growing up on a small island in the Maldives, Zim developed a passion for marine life from an early age. She kick started her career in 2016 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science. Zim has worked as a Marine Environment Officer at a resort, where she gained valuable skills in marine and terrestrial surveying, as well as guest communication. As a new member of MWSRP, she looks forward to acquiring new skills and contributing meaningfully to both science and society.
Ibrahim Shameel
Project Manager
Shameel is originally from the Maldives capital Malé; he joined our team after coming out to volunteer in 2013, deciding on a change of course from an office job in Human Resources to marine research and conservation. Shameel’s claim to fame is representing the Maldives in the 2008 Beijing Olympics in their national swimming team.
Richard Rees
Co-Founder & Managing Director
Growing up on the coast of Wales, UK is where MWSRP’s co-founder Richard’s love of the ocean was fostered but it was his first encounter with a whale shark during a research expedition to the Maldives that inspired a career in Marine conservation. Richard is passionate about innovative, stakeholder-led approaches that bring positive change for wildlife, environment, community and livelihoods.
