All About That Reef

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.