Local Skills Grow as Maldives Expands Mariculture Training Programme

Fifteen participants are gaining skills in marine farming through a 14-day course at the Maniyafushi Research and Training Facility, as the government expands training opportunities to support the Maldives’ aquaculture industry.

The course is the third batch of the Basic Mariculture Training Programme for 2026 and is conducted under the Marine Hatchery Skills Development Programme. It combines theoretical and practical instruction in mariculture techniques, live feed production, disease prevention and management, and environmentally responsible farming practices.

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Participants will gain hands-on experience in cultivating oysters, sea cucumbers and giant clams. The training also covers aquaculture systems and seaweed production.

The programme aims to develop Maldivians’ expertise in mariculture and support the sustainable growth of the sector. One woman is among the 15 participants in the current batch.

The government has increased the annual number of training programmes from two to four, beginning this year, to widen access to skills development.

The latest batch is the seventh programme conducted under the initiative. Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam has said that 76 people have been trained through the programme to date.