The decision was made as part of efforts to diversify the economy and increase the benefits derived from the country's marine resources.
The government has announced plans to establish four zones dedicated to mariculture development, with a significant area allocated for grouper breeding.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Monday as part of efforts to diversify the economy and increase the benefits derived from the country's marine resources.
The move follows discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.
According to the President's Office, hatcheries will be established to support mariculture businesses in the Maldives. The plan also includes provisions for foreign investment to facilitate the breeding of species in these hatcheries, which will then be grown in an ocean environment. The designated areas will be developed across four zones.
Zones designated for mariculture development:
- Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani atoll Mariculture Zone
- Raa atoll Mariculture Zone
- Meemu atoll Mariculture Zone
- Thaa atoll Mariculture Zone
President's Office will introduce regulations governing the lease of zones designated for mariculture cultivation.
As part of the initiative, a total of 73 hectares of lagoons, located approximately seven kilometers south of the Vaadhoo Channel in the southern part of Male' atoll, will be reserved for a commercial school focused on breeding groupers.
Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources had earlier inagurated a pilot project in Alifu Dhaalu atoll Mahibadhoo, Omadhoo, Dhigurah, to breed groupers in cages.
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