News Desk
Launches First Commercial Seaweed Export, Marking a New Chapter in Maldives’ Blue Economy
Malé, Maldives — The country has taken a historic step toward diversifying its ocean economy with the country’s first commercial seaweed cultivation project now ready for export. Floating Acres Pvt Ltd, a private company operating in B. Fehendhoo, announced that after eight months of trial cultivation, its seaweed farms are prepared to supply both domestic and international markets.
The achievement was hailed by Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam, who praised the company’s pioneering role in introducing sustainable aquaculture to the island nation.
“Congratulations to Floating Acres Pvt Ltd and the team for their relentless hard work and dedication in successfully cultivating seaweed in the Maldives, a project started 8 months ago in B. Fehendhoo and today they are ready for export,” Shiyam wrote on X. “This remarkable achievement marks an important milestone in realizing the vision of President Dr. Muizzu to diversify our blue economy and promote sustainable marine industries. Wishing the team continued success as they pave the way for innovative, ocean-based livelihoods in the Maldives.”
Seaweed farming, long established in countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines, is considered one of the most sustainable forms of aquaculture. It requires no pesticides, fertilizers, or freshwater, while offering significant environmental benefits such as carbon absorption and marine habitat support. Globally, the seaweed industry was valued at more than $17 billion in 2023 and is projected to nearly double by 2032.
For the Maldives, where tourism and fishing dominate the economy, Floating Acres’ success represents a potential new revenue stream and a model for community-based livelihoods. The company has worked closely with island farmers to establish pilot farms, aiming to scale production for export markets in Asia and beyond.
Officials say the project aligns with President Muizzu’s broader vision of a “blue economy” that leverages the ocean for sustainable growth. If successful, seaweed cultivation could become a cornerstone of Maldivian aquaculture, offering both economic resilience and ecological benefits.
How to Reach B. Fehendhoo:
Fehendhoo, one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Maldives and part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll, can be reached by several routes. The fastest option is a scheduled speedboat transfer from Malé to Goidhoo, which takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Budget-conscious travellers may opt for public ferries operating from the Hulhumalé Ferry Terminal, though the journey can stretch to 6–7 hours depending on schedules. Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa Atoll is connected to Velana International Airport in Malé by daily domestic flights of about 40 minutes, with onward speedboat transfers of roughly 45 minutes to reach Fehendhoo.
