Ministry: Fisheries College’s courses will be launched in atoll campuses

Fisheries Ministry, on Tuesday, said courses offered at Fisheries College being incepted by the Ministry in collaboration with Maldives National University (MNU) will also be facilitated on campuses across atolls.

Addu City Mayor Ali Nizaar has expressed concern over the decision to establish a Fisheries College offering courses related to the sector in Male’ City, citing the courses should have been launched in Huvadhoo atoll or any other atoll where fisheries activities are abundant. He further stressed it was not the most appropriate approach to make fishing enthusiasts migrate to Male'.

Answering a question posed by Sun, State Minister for Fisheries Dr. Amzath Ahmed said although the courses are initially being commenced in Male’ City, they will later be expanded to atolls.

“We are just starting something. It will be difficult to simultaneously start something in all locations at early stages,” he added.

“In the future, by God’s grace, we are targeting to facilitate all opportunities possible to study, expand their knowledge and enhance their skills to crew aboard vessels via online classes,” he detailed.

Underscoring that MNU offers courses under online, block and hybrid models at present – Amzath said easy access to fisheries courses will be facilitated for fishermen in the future. 

The decision to establish a Fisheries College was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during the official function held to mark the 43^rd Fishermen’s Day.

In this trajectory, an agreement was executed between Fisheries Ministry and MNU in late December to establish the Fisheries College and subsequently commence courses starting from August.

Although a significant amount of people practice fishing in the Maldives as their main source of income, individuals pursuing higher education in the field remain significantly low.