Fisheries College in Male' draws Addu Mayor's ire

Addu City Mayor Ali Nizar on Tuesday, has criticized the Maldives National University (MNU)'s decision to establish a new college for fisheries courses in Male' City.

The mayor said the college should ideally be established at an atoll where fisheries is abundant.

MNU on Monday, revealed the August intake courses will include the fisheries-related courses as well.

According to Nizar, the courses should have been launched in Huvadhoo atoll or any other atoll where fisheries activities are abundant, which would have been the more appropriate approach. He also said making fishing enthusiasts migrate to Male' for their courses is not the right decision.

"Bringing the fishers or those interested in fishing to Male', congesting the city further is not the right approach," the mayor said.

"We could have believed the intention was right if they made the move to establish the college in Addu or Huvadhoo atoll or any other atoll with fishing as a central activity," Nizar added.

The mayor further said all such initiatives should not be concentrated in the Greater Male' Area. Nizar added the initiatives ideal for atolls should commence there.

He also said fishers were mainly residing across the atolls, and those willing to learn should visit the experienced fishers to their home islands or regions.

While MNU announced fisheries-related courses will be launched with the August intake, it did not disclose details about the courses.

Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu revealed his decision to establish the college during the ceremony held to commemorate Fishermen's Day. The college is being established to encourage younger generations to pursue careers in fishing.

Government signed the MoU with the university to establish the college on December 27, 2023.