Mariculture training course begins in Maniyafushi

The first course of the year aimed at teaching basic mariculture skills has commenced.

This course is part of a series of courses organized by the Maldives Marine Research Institute under the Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme, carried out through the Transform Project run by the Fisheries Ministry. Fifteen participants from across the Maldives are taking part in this course, which will run from the 26th of this month until May 8.

The Maldives Marine Research Institute stated that the course will provide information on aquaculture systems, live feed production, breeding of grouper, sea cucumber, Maldivian clownfish, and pearl oysters, identifying and preventing diseases in bred species, and conducting mariculture activities with minimal environmental impact. In addition, participants will be provided with practical experience in breeding grouper, sea cucumber, and clownfish.

The Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme was launched with the objective of producing the Maldivian technicians needed to introduce and develop a mariculture industry in the Maldives, facilitating additional income and employment opportunities close to islands for people living across the country by developing mariculture, and further expanding and diversifying economic activities in the Maldives. So far, 26 individuals have been trained under this programme.