Minister Ahmed Shiyam Plans Commercial Mariculture Expansion in Kendhikulhudhoo

The Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, Ahmed Shiyam, has met with the Kendhikulhudhoo Council and constituency MP Mohamed Afoo Hamid to strategize the expansion of the island's fisheries and agricultural sectors. A primary objective of the discussions was the transformation of mariculture into a viable commercial industry in Kendhikulhudhoo, located in Noonu Atoll. Minister Shiyam and local leaders exchanged insights on the technical and logistical steps required to promote a sustainable mariculture framework that can generate consistent economic returns for the community. During the meeting, the Minister provided critical updates on the progress of the Kendhikulhudhoo neighborhood fish factory, a facility central to the island's capacity to process and value-add its aquatic harvests. This development is seen as a cornerstone for the island's transition toward a more industrialized fishing economy. These local efforts are part of a broader national strategy to establish mariculture as a distinct and robust industry across the Maldives. To ensure structured growth, the government has designated five specific regions across the archipelago for mariculture development, focusing on areas with the highest ecological and economic potential. To bridge the skills gap, the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources is conducting targeted training programs at the island level. These initiatives aim to build a specialized workforce capable of managing modern aquaculture systems. To date, the Ministry has completed six training sessions, equipping 76 individuals with the essential skills needed to drive the emerging sector forward and ensure long-term food security and income diversification for island residents.