Minister opens new Rotuma Fisheries Station
Minister for Forests, Osea Naiqamu opened the new $1.7 million Rotuma Fisheries Station last Saturday in Motusa, Rotuma.
The new station includes the ice plant shed housing one metric tonne ice machine; with the administration building housing an office and a conference room.
The new Fisheries Station also has a three-bedroom house and a 23 footer half cabin fibreglass boat fitted with a 60 horsepower outboard engine.
This is part of Government’s initiative to develop both the fishery and forestry resources on the island to bring prosperity to its communities.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the people of Rotuma, the island council and the chiefs of the seven districts,” Mr Naiqamu said.
“The surrounding ocean and its resources offer millions of dollars in fisheries products and the Ministry intends to develop the offshore fishery that will benefit the communities,” he said.
“The trials on seaweed planting around the bay of Motusa looks promising and this commodity will be further developed on the island with value adding the dried seaweed. Dried seaweed are converted into health products like facial and skin lotion to target the lucrative rich tourist markets in the urban areas in Viti Levu.
He said the ministry will also work hand in hand with the youths and women in fisheries to ensure that they play an important role in developing the fishery and targeting the niche market.
“The Ministry of Forests plans to carry out inventory survey of both the sandalwood and the native hardwood species. This is to to determine their economic value in terms of protecting the vegetation and shore line from wave action and wave surges.
“The ministry also intends to carry out nursery trainings on the planting of sandalwood seedlings and setting up sandalwood nursery farms.”