Economy Economy / mariculture Maldives Impact 7.0/10 1 min read

Maldives seeks to grow seaweed export into a bigger revenue generator than skipjack tuna

The Maldives Fisheries Ministry aims to grow the seaweed export trade, launched in 2025, to match or exceed revenue from skipjack tuna, the country's biggest export. Floating Acres, a private mariculture firm, started commercial seaweed cultivation in April 2025 in B. Fehendhoo. State Minister Mohamed Muthalib said the firm now cultivates and exports 63 tons of seaweed monthly, up from an initial 100 kilos. The government plans nationwide expansion and has designated areas in Boduthiladhunmathi (HA. and HDh. Atolls), R. Atoll, M. Atoll, Th. Atoll, and a two-kilometer lagoon from K. Maniyafushi for mariculture. Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam hopes to grow the mariculture industry into a billion-Rufiyaa industry.

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Jun 21, 2026

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The Maldives Fisheries Ministry aims to grow the seaweed export trade, launched in 2025, to match or exceed revenue from skipjack tuna, the country's biggest export. Floating Acres, a private mariculture firm, started commercial seaweed cultivation in April 2025 in B. Fehendhoo. State Minister Mohamed Muthalib said the firm now cultivates and exports 63 tons of seaweed monthly, up from an initial 100 kilos. The government plans nationwide expansion and has designated areas in Boduthiladhunmathi (HA. and HDh. Atolls), R. Atoll, M. Atoll, Th. Atoll, and a two-kilometer lagoon from K. Maniyafushi for mariculture. Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam hopes to grow the mariculture industry into a billion-Rufiyaa industry.

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