Mohammed Sijahudheen EK

Mohammed Sijahudheen EK, a marine biologist from Kalpeni Island with a Master’s from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, is driving community-led marine conservation and livelihoods in Lakshadweep. Deeply rooted in island ecosystems, his work focuses on seaweed cultivation as a pathway for climate resilience, sustainable income, and ocean stewardship.

During his NYCC Climate Champions Fellowship, he led Seaweed for Sustainability, mobilising 150 young people and engaging over 300 community members, including women’s Self-Help Groups and aquaculture students. Through intertidal walks, lagoon clean-ups, mangrove restoration, and hands-on cultivation training, he translated marine conservation into practical, income-generating skills, successfully producing over 280 kg of seaweed at pilot cultivation sites in Kavaratti and Kalpeni. capacity.

Now scaling the initiative, he has established pilot cultivation sites in Kavaratti and Kalpeni, with projections of 225 kg yield. With raw seaweed fetching ₹60–80 per kg, the model creates sustainable income for fishing communities. Currently, he is working with REEF as a Research Fellow, continuing to scale community-led seaweed-based livelihoods and marine conservation efforts in Lakshadweep.