The government is actively pursuing the establishment of mariculture as a distinct and robust industry, aiming to diversify the nation's economy and create new sustainable income streams.
This strategic push comes amidst promising initial successes, particularly in seaweed cultivation, which is already demonstrating significant commercial viability.
To facilitate this ambitious undertaking, five key areas have been designated for mariculture development. These include the atolls of Bodu Thiladhunmathi, Raa Atoll, Meemu Atoll, and Thaa Atoll. Additionally, a specific lagoon located around 2 km from Maaniyaafushi has been earmarked for this purpose.
Speaking on PSM News' Raajje Miadhu programme, State Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Mohamed Muththalib highlighted the remarkable success of an ongoing seaweed cultivation project in the Maldives. He elaborated on the venture in Fehendhoo, Baa Atoll, where a company initially cultured around 100 kg of seaweed.
"They started culturing about 100 kg of seaweed. However, now they have informed us that they are harvesting about 63 tonnes of dried seaweed per month. 63 tonnes of dried seaweed is about five containers of seaweed being exported per month. So we see this as a good investment. We are currently working to expand this work throughout Maldives," he said, underscoring the rapid and successful scaling of the operation.
The State Minister expressed confidence that the mariculture sector, particularly seaweed cultivation, holds the promise of generating an income comparable to or even surpassing that of the traditional skipjack tuna fishery in the near future. The government is also receiving additional proposals for seaweed cultivation, indicating growing investor interest, he added.
To further catalyse investment and participation, the government has launched a special 'Mariculture Scheme' designed to provide crucial financial assistance to individuals and companies looking to engage in mariculture businesses.