The Government of the Maldives has opened extensive investment avenues and financial incentives to maximize economic returns from marine resources and establish mariculture as a cornerstone industry.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the "Basic Mariculture Skills" program held at the Maniyafushi Research and Training Facility, the Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources underscored that with 99 percent ocean territory, mariculture presents immense commercial potential—especially as the country currently imports numerous seafood products consumed by locals and the tourism sector.
"Under special priority from the President, designated zones for mariculture have been established in the Maldives for the very first time. Across 6 atolls, 13 zones have now been directly demarcated specifically for mariculture operations. The total area of all these zones combined covers 3,849 hectares dedicated entirely to mariculture."
— The Minister highlighted.
Detailing the financial and administrative framework designed to attract private capital, the Minister outlined substantial concessions for incoming investors and businesses.
"Among the concessions we have announced, investors can enter these zones without any acquisition fees. Investors will be exempt from paying land rent or lagoon rent for a period of three years. Furthermore, we have structured import duty exemptions on items and equipment brought in directly for mariculture development."
— The Minister stated.
The Minister also noted that the government is catering to small and medium-scale operators by providing accessible facilities and essential hardware, such as sea cages, through ministry-supported arrangements.
To ensure long-term commercial security and legal protections comparable to competing global markets, the Minister affirmed that key legislative reforms—including amendments to the Fisheries Act and a modernized bill governing uninhabited islands and lagoons—have already been submitted to the People's Majlis.
