The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has launched the second batch of its Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme, designed to enhance expertise in sustainable aquaculture throughout the Maldives.

Conducted by the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI) with support from the World Bank-funded Transform Project, the training seeks to enhance national capacity, foster innovation, and promote sustainable growth within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

The two-week programme began on 18 October in Maniyafushi, Kaafu Atoll, with 15 participants from across the country. MMRI is providing participants with accommodation, meals, and transportation between Malé and Maniyafushi for the duration of the course, which runs until October 30.

The course covers key areas of mariculture, including aquaculture systems, live food cultivation, fish biology, and marine aquaculture. Participants will also receive hands-on training in breeding groupers, sea cucumbers, Maldive anemone fish, and nacre, as well as lessons on seaweed cultivation, disease prevention, and environmental protection in mariculture.

According to the Ministry, the programme aims to develop local capacity in aquaculture, create new income opportunities in the atolls, and diversify the national economy.

Held twice annually, the Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme continues to attract strong interest from participants nationwide. The Ministry noted that further training sessions are planned in the coming months to expand participation and support the country’s growing mariculture sector.