The foundation stone for a multi-species hatchery in Maanaagalaa, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, has been laid.
The foundation stone of the hatchery was laid by Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shafiu and President of Gaafu Atoll Council Ibrahim Shaheen during a ceremony held at Maanaagalaa. The project, operating under the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer model, was contracted to Dubai-based Aqua Bridge Group on October 27, 2022. The World Bank is financing the project through the ministry's sustainable fisheries resource development project.
The multi-species hatchery will be developed in two phases. The first phase focuses on establishing the necessary infrastructure, while the second phase encompasses the structural development of the hatchery, including nurseries, live feed production facilities, laboratories, and aquariums. The primary focus of the hatchery will be the production of sea cucumber, groupers, and baitfish.
The projects marks a historic milestone as the establishment of a multi-species hatchery in Maldives is a pivotal component of the ministry's initiatives to foster a mariculture sector in the country. The ministry envisions that the expansion of the mariculture sector will generate additional income and employment opportunities for the local populace in the atolls and the islands. as well as, contribute to the overall economic growth of the Maldives.