The first batch of this year’s Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme has been launched in Maniyafushi, Kaafu Atoll.
Led by the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) with support from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources and the World Bank–funded TransFORM Project, the programme focuses on strengthening national capacity, encouraging innovation, and supporting long-term development in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. It also seeks to develop the Maldives’ mariculture sector, create additional income and employment opportunities in the atolls, and diversify economic activities nationwide.
According to the Fisheries Ministry, four batches have been conducted over the past two years under the mariculture training programme, training a total of 53 individuals.
The programme covers different aspects of mariculture, including aquaculture systems as well as lessons on breeding four main species: groupers, sea cucumbers, Maldive anemone fish, and nacre.