The Malaysia Aqua Archive (MAQIVE) is a flagship digital repository developed by the South China Sea Repository and Reference Centre (RRC), Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), to showcase and preserve Malaysia’s rich marine biodiversity. This initiative builds upon foundational support from the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA).

UMT currently houses one of the most comprehensive marine biological collections in Malaysia, comprising over 100,000 registered specimens of marine flora and fauna from coastal, estuarine, and deep-sea environments, including rare and endemic species. The collection plays a vital role in taxonomic research, education, and conservation planning, and is recognized as a national scientific resource. Each specimen is meticulously preserved, catalogued, and geo-referenced, providing valuable baseline data for long-term environmental monitoring and biodiversity assessments.

Now in its latest phase, MAQIVE offers an upgraded digital interface featuring high-resolution imagery, enhanced metadata, and tools for large dataset analysis. More than just a catalogue, MAQIVE serves as an educational and scientific gateway designed to engage a broader audience, support marine conservation initiatives, and contribute to informed policy-making for sustainable resource management. UMT proudly acknowledges the initial sponsorship from SOA, which laid the groundwork for this innovative and impactful marine biodiversity platform.