The government has announced the opening of applications for the second Basic Mariculture course of the year, an initiative aimed at fostering a sustainable marine aquaculture industry within the Maldives.
The programme is part of the broader Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme.
Supported by the World Bank-funded "Transforming Fisheries Sector Management in South-West Indian Ocean Region and Maldives Project," the course is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources and the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI).
The programme, scheduled to run from 18 to 30 October, will accept 15 candidates and will be held at the Research and Training Facility in Maniyafushi, Kaafu Atoll.
Key focus areas of the course include:
Aquaculture systems
Live food cultivation
Fish biology and reproduction
Breeding of indigenous fish species
Seaweed cultivation
Identification and prevention of common fish diseases
Environmental protection in aquaculture
The deadline for interested participants to apply is 30 September. The government will cover all costs related to food, accommodation, and travel for the selected candidates.
The programme is a key component of the government's strategy to diversify the economy and generate more opportunities within the fisheries sector. By training skilled personnel, the initiative aims to boost the national economy and achieve sustainable development in the fisheries sector, the Ministry had said.