Welcome to All About That Reef, a podcast celebrating the beauty and importance of our oceans.
We’re here to share the untold stories of marine life, the efforts to protect it, and the people leading change. From conservation projects to fascinating underwater ecosystems, we’ll explore how everyone can play a part in preserving our oceans for future generations. Join us as we uncover inspiring insights, showcase impac ...
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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!
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to our second episode! This time, we’re diving deep—literally—into the world of shipwrecks. In this episode, we sit down with Dharshana Jayawardena, an expert in technical diving and underwater exploration, to uncover the secrets of Sri Lanka’s wrecks. We talk about how these sunken ships have become thriving marine ecosystems, the threats they face, and the importance of protecting them. From the mysteries of deep-sea diving to the issue of salvaging, we explore the hidden stories beneath the waves. Join us as we take a closer look at the intersection of history, biodiversity, and marine conservation.