Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Zaha Waheed, on Wednesday, announced plans to introduce commercial farming of small cuttlefish into the Maldivian fishing industry.
In her speech on the 38th anniversary of the Fishermen’s Day, at Gemanafushi in North Gaafu Atoll, the Fisheries Minister stated that the business of small-scale cuttlefish would generate huge profits.
Cuttlefish are marine animals of the order Sepiida. They belong to the class Cephalopoda, which also includes varieties of Squid, Octopus, and Nautilus.
According to Zaha, the price of one kilo of small-scale cuttlefish is USD 15 in the global market.
“Those interested in pursuing this business will receive proper training and the ministry will help market the product internationally", said Zaha.
“Small cuttlefish is a product that is sold at a high price in the global market".
Further, the minister declared that the administration is currently working on the establishment of a ‘mariculture’ field in the Maldives.
The ministry is currently developing a centre for the research and development aquaculture in Maniyafushi, Kaafu Atoll. In addition, the minister promised the completion of the cultivation centre within one and a half years.
Urging for reforms in legislation aimed at improving fishing regulations in order to reach the modern standards, Minister Zaha added that plans to propose bills concerning fishing regulations to the Attorney General’s Office in the near future were in motion.
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