Maldives Resilient Reefs (MRR) has called on the government to act swiftly against the expected coral bleaching threat, and for a temporary halt to dredging and land reclamation until reef conditions return to normal. 

MRR is a local NGO dedicated to protecting and sustainably managing the nation's coral reefs and ocean resources. 

MRR said that, as of April 11, 2026, NOAA Coral Reef Watch had placed the Maldives under a Coral Bleaching Alert Level: Watch, noting that while the immediate bleaching risk is low, forecasts show a sharp escalation in the next 1 to 12 weeks, with conditions expected to reach Alert Level 1 where significant bleaching is likely. 

The organization explained that corals bleach when sea surface temperatures remain elevated for weeks, causing them to expel the algae that provide most of their energy.

MRR warned that prolonged heat stress can lead to widespread coral mortality, recalling the severe coral bleaching events the Maldives experienced in 1998, 2016, and 2023. 

In light of this, MRR called on relevant authorities to take immediate precautionary action. 

MRR urged the government to halt all dredging and reclamation until conditions return to normal, noting that these activities increase sediment and turbidity, as well as worsen heat stress on corals. They said the suspension should continue for two weeks after alert levels return to normal, or four weeks if any reef stress is detected. 

MRR also called on tourism operators to pause sand pumping and beach replenishment for the duration of the bleaching threat, saying proactive measures are vital to protect the reefs the industry relies on. 

The NGO stressed that all sewage must be adequately treated before release, warning that nutrient pollution can further weaken already stressed reefs. 

MRR called on the public to be cautious when using reef areas - avoiding anchor damage and limiting physical impacts from fishing and recreation - and encouraged people to report bleaching to the Marine Research Institute.