The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has launched the second batch of the Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme.
The training is conducted with support the World Bank - funded Transform Project, aimed at strengthening national capacity, encouraging innovation, and promoting sustainable growth within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The programme commenced on 18 October in Maniyafushi, Kaafu Atoll.
The programme, conducted by the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), is designed to build expertise in sustainable marine aquaculture. This is the second programme of its kind launched by MMRI this year to provide youth with the knowledge and skills to set up hatcheries and develop aquaculture techniques.
The programme kicked off on Saturday with 15 participants and will run until 30 October. Participants are based in Maniyafushi during the programme, with MMRI covering the travel expenses between Male’ and Maniyafushi for course-related purposes, as well as food and accommodation for the duration of the course.
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.
The Basic Mariculture course includes 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.
Held twice a year, the Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme has received strong interest from participants nationwide. Last year, 15 participants from different parts of the country completed the course. The Ministry has indicated that more training programmes are planned in the future.