All About That Reef

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...

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,...

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 studi...

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...

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...

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 challen...

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 Di...

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...

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 won...

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,...

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....

Welcome to our very first episode! This is where it all begins—an introduction to us, Aindri and Mehak, and the experiences that led us to the marine world. In this episode, we share our journey, the moments that ignited our passion for marine life, and why protecting it matters so much to us. It’s a glimpse into what drives us and sets the stage for the conversations we’ll be having in the episod...

Welcome to All About That Reef, a podcast celebrating the beauty and importance of our oceans, hosted by Aindri Morahela and Mehak Sangani. 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 gen...