Applications Open for Third Batch of 2026 Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program

Applications have officially opened for the third round of the 2026 "Marine Hatchery Skills Development Program," aimed at providing essential technical expertise in reef fish breeding and building human capacity in the sector.

The training program is conducted jointly by the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources and the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), under the World Bank-supported Transform Project.

According to the Ministry, the 14-day basic mariculture course will take place from October 10 to October 21, 2026, at the Maniyafushi Research and Training Facility in Kaafu Atoll.

The key areas taught in this course include:

• Aquaculture systems

• Live feed culture

• Spawning and rearing of grouper

• Spawning and rearing of sea cucumber

• Spawning and rearing of local clownfish

• Pearl oyster culture

• Theory of seaweed cultivation

• Identifying and preventing diseases in cultured organisms

• Environmental protection in mariculture

A total of 15 slots are available. The Ministry noted that if eligible applications exceed this limit, participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis according to the order of submission.

Participants will be accommodated at the Maniyafushi Research and Training Facility for the duration of the course. The Ministry's announcement confirmed that return transfers between Malé and Maniyafushi, along with full board and accommodation, will be provided by MMRI.

Interested candidates must submit completed application forms along with a national ID card copy to the Maldives Marine Research Institute or via email to info@mmri.gov.mv by 14:00 hrs on Thursday, September 17, 2026. For further information, applicants can contact 3322242 or 9555373.