SDM, a Maldivian firm specialising in the propagation of native plants, is offering free consultation and support to individuals interested in starting seaweed cultivation, as efforts to expand the emerging industry gain momentum.
The company said it aims to see seaweed farming expand beyond a single farm or island, with more farmers and islands contributing to increased production across the Maldives.
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SDM said expanding cultivation could help the Maldives strengthen its position as a seaweed producer in the region and eventually generate sufficient output to support local processing into value-added products.
The initiative comes as commercial seaweed cultivation in the Maldives has expanded since the launch of the country’s first large-scale commercial project by Floating Acres in Baa Atoll’s Fehendhoo in April 2025.
State Minister for Fisheries Mohamed Muthalib said in June that the project initially had a cultivation capacity of 100 kilogrammes but had since expanded significantly, with the company cultivating and exporting 63 tonnes of seaweed per month.
Muthalib described the project as a successful investment and said the government plans to support the expansion of seaweed farming across the country.
He has also said the long-term goal is to develop seaweed exports into a major industry capable of generating revenue equal to or exceeding earnings from skipjack tuna exports.
SDM said a broader network of seaweed farms would increase production capacity and create greater opportunities for developing the industry and establishing domestic processing.
