The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources has said that the government has tasked a company in reviving bait fish and that the government will start issuing the bait fish to fishermen in 2028.

During PSM News' Raajje Miadhu program last Friday, the Ministry of Fisheries State Minister Mohamed Muththalib stated that work has been done in Maldivian mariculture. 

Even though the work was done at a cottage level at the time and while highlighting that the government is thinking of advancements at an industry level, Muththalib said that work in planting seaweed and reviving bait fish has begun.

He went on to say that in order for progress in mariculture, K. Maniyafushi, a lagoon near the island and a lagoon in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll have been allocated in reviving groupers. Muththalib said that as per the government's request, bait fish revival efforts are now being conducted in those areas.

As per Muththalib, an agreement has been signed with a mariculture company based in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll to find a solution for fishermen being unable to acquire bait fish during periods of bad weather.

"The company has begun the revival of bait fish for fishermen in Maldives, where we are looking to provide the bait fish to fishermen within 2028 via the company," said the State Minister.

Revival efforts in shrimp, sea cucumber, grouper and seaweed are now underway as part of mariculture efforts in Maldives, with seaweed export having recently begun as well.