Govt decides to establish four mariculture development zones

The Maldivian government has decided to establish four designated mariculture development zones.

The decision was during a cabinet meeting on Monday, following deliberations on a paper submitted by the Fisheries Ministry regarding diversifying the Maldives’ economy and increasing the benefits of marine resources.

Following deliberations, the cabinet decided to designate four areas as mariculture development zones. They are:

• Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani Atolls Mariculture Zone
• Raa Atoll Mariculture Zone
• Meemu Atoll Mariculture Zone
• Thaa Atoll Mariculture Zone

According to the government, the zones are generally open to foreign investments, and will see the establishment of mariculture enterprises in the country, construction of hatcheries and rearing of hatchery species in aquatic environments.

The government also decided to designate a 73-hector area, about 7 kilometers south of the Vaadhoo Strait, for commercial-scale reef fish farming. This includes establishing rules to be followed in leasing zones designated for mariculture.