10 additional zones designated for mariculture industry

Fisheries Ministry, on Monday, has designated 10 additional zones for the development and expansion of the mariculture industry in the Maldives.

Mariculture refers to the cultivation of marine organisms in their natural environment for commercial and economic purposes.

Previously, only four areas had been specifically designated for mariculture activities in the Maldives: K. Maniyafushi, Meemu Atoll, the Bodu Thiladhunmathi region, and designated areas within Thaa Atoll.

In an announcement issued today, the Ministry introduced 10 new zones to further promote the development of the sector. The newly designated areas include two additional zones in Thaa Atoll, three in Meemu Atoll, two in Faafu Atoll, two in Dhaalu Atoll, and one in Gaafu Alifu Atoll.

The Ministry published the geographical coordinates and maps of the newly designated zones in a post on X. It also stated that detailed information about the designated areas can be obtained by contacting the Ministry through its official email. 

In March this year, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam outlined his vision of transforming the Maldivian mariculture industry into a sector capable of generating billions of Rufiyaa. At the time, he highlighted an ongoing investment of approximately MVR 300 million in mariculture activities at K. Maniyafushi, including a dedicated sea cucumber cultivation project.

In June, the Ministry reported that the Maldives was exporting 63 tonnes of sea cucumber each month. The Ministry has set an objective for the industry to eventually generate revenue comparable to that of the country's skipjack tuna fishery.