The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has decided to conduct a programme to sell floating net cages and live baby grouper fish to individuals interested in grouper farming. The registration process for the programme is now open.
The fisheries ministry said that the goal of providing net cages and baby grouper fish to private buyers is to promote mariculture businesses by enabling fish farming. The programme aims to establish and develop the mariculture sector in the country, with 57 floating net cages available for allocation.
The ministry said that each cage measures three meters by three meters, featuring eight cells and covering a total area of 72 square meters. The cages come equipped with frames, bars, nets, and anchors, and will be sold at USD 6,500 per set. The sale of cages will be based on the order of payment, and buyers are responsible for transporting the cages from Maniyafushi, Kaafu Atoll. Baby grouper fish, ranging in size from 10 cm to 14 cm, will be sold at USD 0.97 per fish.
The individuals interested in purchasing cages and live baby grouper fish should submit their applications via email at [email protected]. Individuals also wishing to inspect the net cages and grouper fish before purchase may contact the ministry to schedule a visit to Maniyafushi.
The government is currently making efforts to create more income-generating opportunities through fisheries and marine resources and aims to further develop fish farming as a distinct sector within the fisheries sector.