World Whale Shark Day: Kerala’s coast has saved 54 whale sharks from death since 2017, with fishermen now able to rescue and release them after net entanglements, backed by compensation from the Forest Department. Ocean-minded tourism: Le Méridien Maldives teamed up with Patémar on ocean-conscious resortwear made from upcycled landfill and ocean plastic, while highlighting marine conservation efforts at its Thilamaafushi resort. Climate risk update: Maldives Meteorological Service says temperatures are likely to stay above average for Sept–Nov as El Niño strengthens, with higher sea temperatures that could stress coral reefs and disrupt fisheries and agriculture. Reef restoration in action: ReefSeed’s second year in the Maldives produced over 9 million coral gametes and deployed 2,146 coral devices to 24 sites to help reef recovery. Coral & coconut protection: A new Palm Pest Biological Control Parasitoid Rearing Center opened in Hanimaadhoo to tackle spreading coconut palm pests, while ReefSeed continues coral seeding work. Local policy pressure: Parliament rejected an emergency motion challenging the plan for resorts to exchange 40% of foreign currency earnings through the Maldives Monetary Authority. Maldives–India cooperation: Climate and environment ministers discussed satellite data, marine ecosystem management, mangrove restoration, and coastal ecosystem preservation. Youth enterprise push: Bank of Maldives and SME Digital disbursed over USD 19.5M to 3,000+ young entrepreneurs under a collateral-free financing programme. Tourism trade spotlight: Travel Trade Maldives (TTM) opened with 130+ resorts and 250+ operators from 30 markets, aiming to boost international connections. SIDS leadership: President Muizzu urged a shift in how the world views Small Island Developing States—beyond vulnerability, toward innovation and enterprise.