The Maldives Marine Research Institute has commenced the third batch of its Marine Hatchery Skills Development programme at the Maniyafushi Research and Training Facility, training 16 candidates to foster local expertise in mariculture and hatchery operations.
The vocational programme forms part of a government initiative backed by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources to diversify the nation's marine economy by building commercial aquaculture capabilities alongside traditional wild-capture fisheries.
Hands-on hatchery training
According to the MMRI, the current training cohort comprises 16 participants, including nine Maldivian trainees alongside regional fellows. Over the course of the intensive practical curriculum, students receive hands-on instruction in broodstock management, live feed production, water quality chemistry, disease diagnosis, and juvenile rearing techniques for commercially viable marine species.
Maniyafushi, located in South Malé Atoll, serves as the Maldives' premier scientific and operational base for mariculture research. The facility has successfully spearheaded breeding protocols for sea cucumbers, groupers, and pearl oysters tailored to island conditions.
"Developing a skilled domestic workforce in hatchery operations is essential if the Maldives is to establish viable, sustainable mariculture ventures that generate export revenue and employment for island youth," an MMRI technical lead said at the opening session.
Economic diversification and marine conservation
Fisheries officials emphasized that sustainable aquaculture provides a resilient buffer against fluctuating wild fish stocks and climate change pressures impacting coral reef ecosystems. By establishing domestic breeding and grow-out hatcheries, the government aims to encourage private investment in controlled marine farming ventures across outer atolls.
The institute indicated that graduates from previous batches have gone on to support local cooperative projects and government-backed marine hatchery trials, with further specialized training programmes scheduled for next year.
