The Basic Mariculture Training Course, part of the Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program, wrapped up its second session of the year, marking the sixth cohort since the initiative’s launch under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s “Week 14 Roadmap.”
The closing ceremony, attended by Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, highlighted the government’s commitment to building a sustainable marine aquaculture industry in the Maldives.
Over twelve intensive days at the Maldives Marine Research Institute’s facility on Maaniyaafushi, Kaafu Atoll, eight participants from diverse atolls received hands‑on training in hatchery techniques, live‑food culture, and the farming of groupers, sea cucumbers, clownfish, pearl oysters and seaweed.
The curriculum also covered disease identification, prevention, and environmentally responsible practices, equipping trainees with the practical skills needed to launch reef‑fish hatcheries across the archipelago.
Minister Shiyam emphasised that mariculture is now a “high‑priority” sector for the nation.
“We began with two annual programmes at Maaniyaafushi, but following the President’s directive to accelerate our marine‑food agenda, we will expand to four courses each year,” he said.
To date, 76 individuals have completed the programme, and the Minister announced that the third, publicly‑open cohort will commence in October.
The course, funded by the World Bank’s TRANSFORM Project and delivered by the Institute, has been praised by participants as highly important and useful, providing the knowledge and practical experience essential for a thriving Maldivian mariculture industry.