The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has launched a specialized training program on diamondback squid fishing, aimed at introducing new fisheries varieties to the Maldives and encouraging youth participation in the sector.
According to the ministry, this edition of the program focuses on the southern atolls. The first round commenced in Fuvahmulah City on the 14th of this month and will run through the 17th, with 14 participants taking part. The ministry confirmed that the second round will be held in GDh. Fiyoari.
The ministry stated that the primary objective of the initiative is to expand and diversify the Maldivian fishing industry beyond traditional practices, while drawing younger generations into emerging fishing sectors.
Spanning four days, the program combines theoretical instruction with practical field experience. Participants are trained in diamondback squid catching techniques, business startup procedures, types of business models, market surveying, marketing strategies, and basic bookkeeping.
Facilitated by technical experts from the ministry, the training aims to maximize the sustainable utilization of the Maldives' marine resources by developing deep-sea diamondback squid fisheries. Island councils interested in hosting the program were given the opportunity to submit expressions of interest earlier this year, between June 25 and July 15.
