All About That Reef

por Aindri Morahela & Mehak Sangani

The Importance Of Sharks & Rays with Daniel Fernando | All About That Reef : EP12

Welcome to our twelfth episode! This time, we take a closer look at sharks and rays, and the complex realities of conserving them in a region where fisheries, livelihoods, and global policy are deeply connected. We sit down with Daniel Fernando, Co-Founder and Director at Blue Resources Trust, where he leads the Fisheries and Policy Programme. Daniel shares his experience working across long-term fisheries research and international policy, offering a grounded perspective on what it takes to manage elasmobranch species in the Indian Ocean. In this conversation, we unpack what current research reveals about shark and ray populations in Sri Lanka, why these species are particularly vulnerable, and how conservation plays out in data-limited, high-pressure fisheries. We also explore the importance of strengthening local scientific capacity, and the challenge of aligning global conservation priorities with national realities. We close by looking ahead to Sharks International 2026, which Sri Lanka is set to host, and what this moment could mean for shaping conversations, collaboration, and leadership on shark and ray conservation in the region.

E12

30 abr 2026

50:00

Wild Encounters with Kaushiik Subramaniam | All About That Reef : EP11

Welcome to our eleventh episode! This time, we explore the intersection of photography and nature tourism, and what it means to tell meaningful stories about the ocean. We speak with Kaushiik Subramaniam, a wildlife conservation biologist and award-winning photographer whose work brings science to life through storytelling. Having worked with conservation organisations and global media platforms, including the BBC, Kaush shares his journey across the Indian Ocean and beyond, and reflects on how photography can move beyond aesthetics to create connection and impact. We also unpack what makes nature tourism truly responsible, exploring common pitfalls, the role of local communities, and what the future of reef tourism could look like.

E11

23 abr 2026

46:00

The Economics Of Conservation with Ashani Basnayake | All About That Reef : EP10

In our tenth episode, we dive into a topic that blends economics, environmental policy, and global conservation efforts—conservation finance. We speak with Ashani Basnayake, a policy researcher, to unpack what conservation finance is and how tools like debt-for-nature swaps can support large-scale environmental protection. Ashani explains how these mechanisms work, highlights successful case studies—particularly in marine contexts—and discusses their growing relevance in today’s economic and ecological landscape. This episode offers a clear look at how financing mechanisms can shape conservation outcomes, and why young professionals and practitioners should be paying close attention to this evolving space.

E10

25 may 2025

48:41

Uncovering 2200 Years Of Submerged History with Rasika Muthucumarana | All About That Reef : EP9

Welcome to our ninth episode! This time, we explore the field of maritime archaeology and the work involved in uncovering Sri Lanka’s submerged cultural heritage. We speak with Rasika Muthucumarana, Senior Archaeology Officer at the Maritime Archaeology Unit of the Central Cultural Fund, about his journey into underwater archaeology and what it means to work at the intersection of history and the ocean. From his long-term work on the Godawaya shipwreck, the oldest known wreck in Sri Lanka and the Asia-Pacific region, to curating the Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle, Rasika shares insights into some of the country’s most significant underwater discoveries. We also talk about new projects on the horizon, the practicalities of excavation, and what advice he has for those curious about entering the field.

11 may 2025

52:14

Mapping The Coral Reefs Around Sri Lanka with Nishan Perera | All About That Reef : EP8

Welcome to our eighth episode! This time, we explore the work behind protecting Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems, both through research and management on the ground. We sit down with Nishan Perera, marine biologist and co-founder of Blue Resources Trust, to discuss the realities of marine protected area (MPA) management and the role long-term research plays in supporting conservation efforts. Nishan shares insights from a decade of reef monitoring in Kayankerni, reflecting on how continuous fieldwork shapes our understanding of ecosystem changes, conservation planning, and the practical side of marine protection. Through this conversation, we get a closer look at what marine conservation looks like beyond policy—rooted in day-to-day realities, persistence, and adapting to challenges as they arise.

27 abr 2025

53:41

A Conservation Project From A To Z with Hafsa Jamel | All About That Reef : EP7

Welcome to our seventh episode! This time, we're shining a light on abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG)—often referred to as "ghost gear"—and its impact on marine ecosystems. We sit down with Hafsa Jamel, Programme Manager at the Lanka Environment Fund (LEF), who has been instrumental in the Mannar Region Systemic Solutions (MARESSOL) project. Hafsa shares insights into the challenges posed by ALDFG in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait, the collaborative efforts underway to tackle this issue, and the importance of working with local communities and stakeholders to co-create sustainable, long-term solutions. As a member of the Parrotfish Collective (PFC), Hafsa also breaks down the process of building content that’s not only visually engaging but rooted in science and local context. She shares how storytelling can make conservation more accessible and relevant to wider audiences.

13 abr 2025

56:19

Duties Of The Government with Prof. Terney Pradeep Kumara | All About That Reef : EP6

Welcome to our sixth episode! This time, we’re heading to the shore—to examine how well Sri Lanka’s coastlines are being protected. Coastal ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate resilience, yet they face increasing threats from illegal development, erosion, and weak enforcement of conservation policies. In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Terney Pradeep Kumara, the Director General of the Department of Coastal Conservation and Coastal Resource Management, to explore the effectiveness of existing policies, the ongoing enforcement challenges, and the delicate balance between conservation and development. As both an academic and policymaker, Prof. Terney offers valuable insight into bridging the gap between research and real-world conservation efforts, shedding light on what needs to change for Sri Lanka to better protect its coastlines. Thank you for tuning in—let’s continue to explore, question, and push for stronger coastal conservation together!

30 mar 2025

56:38

The Extreme Sport Of Freediving with Kalim Iqbal | All About That Reef : EP5

Welcome to our fifth episode! This time, we’re diving into the world of freediving—one of the incredible ways to experience the ocean in its purest form. Before our guest, Kalim Iqbal, joins us, we discuss the fundamentals of snorkeling etiquette—how to be a respectful visitor in the water, interact responsibly with marine life, and minimize our impact on fragile ecosystems. Then, we sit down with Kalim Iqbal, one of Sri Lanka’s freediving instructors, to talk about his journey into the sport, the physical and mental aspects of freediving, and what makes this practice so unique. We explore the history of freediving, and how it has evolved from an ancient survival skill to a sport and a way of life. Kalim also shares his experience diving in the legendary Blue Hole, the challenges of breath-hold diving, and the deep connection freediving creates with the ocean. Finally, we touch on the ethical dilemmas of spearfishing, discussing different perspectives on sustainability and conservation.

16 mar 2025

42:17

Photographing The Underwater World with Manjula Wijeyaratne | All About That Reef : EP4

Welcome to our fourth episode! This time, we’re exploring the intersection of underwater photography and marine conservation. Photography is more than just a way to capture beauty—it’s a powerful tool for storytelling, raising awareness, and driving conservation action. For many, stunning underwater images are their only window into the ocean, making photographers key players in showcasing the wonders of marine life and the threats these ecosystems face. Renowned underwater photographer Manjula Wijeyeratne joins us to share his journey—from his first dive to capturing Sri Lanka’s stunning shipwrecks and marine life. He also discusses the challenges of photographing beneath the waves and how imagery can inspire real action.

2 mar 2025

50:37

The World Of Mangroves with Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody | All About That Reef : EP3

Welcome to our third episode! This time, we’re immersing ourselves in the world of mangroves and wetlands. In this episode, we explore the vital role these ecosystems play in climate adaptation and mitigation. We’ll dive into their importance as carbon sinks, their role in carbon finance and their ability to protect our coastlines. Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody, Sri Lanka’s leading expert on mangroves, discusses the pressing issue of shrimp farming to the importance of wetland protection, uncovering the complexities of these crucial ecosystems.

16 feb 2025

48:44

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