The 2nd Basic Mariculture Course, conducted under the Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme, has successfully concluded, with certificates awarded to the participants.
The training was conducted with support from the World Bank - funded Transforming Fisheries Sector Management in South-West Indian Ocean Region and Maldives Project, which aims to strengthen national capacity, encourage innovation, and promote sustainable growth within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The programme ran from 18 to 30 October in Maniyafushi, Kaafu Atoll.
The certificate presentation ceremony was held at Maniyafushi on Thursday, with ten participants completing the 12-day programme.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)’s Regional Hub Manager Mohammed Sulaiman emphasised the importance of developing the mariculture sector and creating opportunities for those interested in the field.
"It is important to conduct such programmes to expand the field of mariculture in the Maldives. Hopefully, we will continue this programme for the next few years, or even longer,” he said.
Participants noted that they gained valuable knowledge and practical experience in mariculture throughout the programme.
Under the 2nd Basic Mariculture Course conducted this year under the Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme, the participants were trained in 11 modules.
The Basic Mariculture course included training in:
• Aquaculture systems
• Live food cultivation
• Fish biology
• Marine aquaculture
• Breeding sea cucumbers
• Breeding Maldive anemone fish
• Breeding nacre
• Planting and cultivating seaweed
• Identification and prevention of diseases affecting cultured organisms
• Environmental protection in mariculture
The Ministry of Fisheries stated that the programme aims to develop the Maldives’ mariculture sector, create additional income and employment opportunities in the atolls, and diversify economic activities in the Maldives.