For some, the ocean is simply a beautiful part of the landscape. For Adam Athif Mohamed, it has been a lifelong fascination — one that began in childhood and has grown into a mission to protect the marine life that calls it home.

Now just 24, Adam is building a career in sea turtle conservation, research and education, driven by a belief that Maldivians should take the lead in protecting the country's marine heritage.

His interest in marine life began when he was young. But when he chose Marine Science as an optional subject in secondary school, that childhood curiosity developed into a deeper passion. He went on to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Marine Science at the Maldives National University, graduating as part of the university's first batch of Marine Science students.

His journey into sea turtle conservation took a significant step forward when he joined Six Senses Laamu as an intern. There, he gained practical experience and developed his knowledge of sea turtles and the challenges they face.

He later worked with the Olive Ridley Project, an international organisation dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles, further strengthening his experience in the field.

Today, Adam works as a Sea Turtle Biologist at Six Senses Kanuhuraa, through a partnership with the Atoll Marine Centre in Naifaru. The centre plays an important role in treating injured and sick sea turtles, while supporting wider conservation and protection efforts.

But for Adam, conservation goes beyond treating turtles and conducting research. He believes knowledge must also be shared.

Alongside his work in research and conservation, he conducts educational sessions for resort guests and staff, as well as local students. He has also been actively involved in the Turtle Festival for the past three years, helping bring greater awareness of sea turtle conservation to communities.

At just 24, Adam represents a growing generation of young Maldivians taking up the responsibility of protecting the country's natural heritage.

For him, the goal is clear: conservation and research in the Maldives should increasingly be led by Maldivians themselves — people who understand the ocean not only through science, but also through a lifelong connection to it.

What began as a childhood love for marine life has become something much bigger: a commitment to ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the extraordinary marine world of the Maldives.