The second cohort of the 2026 Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program is currently underway at the K. Maniyafushi Research and Training Facility, following its launch on August 8.
Organized jointly by the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Ocean Resources and the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), the basic mariculture course will run through August 20. The program aims to build technical expertise and cultivate local talent in reef fish breeding and commercial marine aquaculture.
Empowering Youth for the Future
The training equips participants—with a strong emphasis on youth—with practical, hands-on skills needed to establish and operate reef fish hatcheries and aquaculture enterprises. The initiative aligns directly with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s "Week 14" roadmap to unlock new economic opportunities within the ocean sector.
To meet rising demand, President Dr. Muizzu instructed the government to expand the basic mariculture program from two to four cohorts annually. This current session marks the second training of the year, following the successful completion of the first cohort in January.
Supported by the World Bank
Supported by the World Bank-assisted "TRANSFORM" project, the program forms a core part of the nation's strategy to establish a sustainable, self-sufficient mariculture industry.
By building a skilled workforce of local professionals, the Maldives aims to diversify its economy, create long-term coastal employment, and relieve pressure on wild reef fish populations across the archipelago.
