$340K Assistance For Research Station
The Government of Japan has provided funding up to $370,422 to Naduruloulou Research Station for provision of aquaculture equipment and heavy machinery for tilapia seed production. The funding is a part of the embassy’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme. Minister for Fisheries Semi Koroilavesau and Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, Masahiro Omura, signed a grant contract yesterday to formalise Japan’s assistance.
The Grant Signing Ceremony was held at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan, 337 Princess Road, Suva.
Mr Omura said the grant would facilitate provision of materials to expand the already thriving tilapia production to benefit more communities.
“Through this Grant Aid, aquaculture equipment and a tractor will be procured for Naduruloulou Research Station which is expected to boost annual tilapia seed production by one million,” he said. “This will ensure further development of aquaculture in Fiji, improvement of food security, livelihood of the farmers and help meet local demand for fish towards relieving pressure on marine resources.”
He said global warming and ocean acidity, caused by the high emission of carbon dioxide, were hurting our precious oceans and reefs.
“To make matters worse, marine pollution such as plastic and micro plastics and adversely affecting all marine organisms,” said Mr Omura.
“In order to leave a healthy marine environment to our children we are at a critical junction in time, and we must urgently undertake initiatives that produce concrete results towards achieving such goals.
“I believe that aquaculture is one of the solutions that we can implement, as it helps meet the demand for fish and at the same time, it reduces the strain on marine resources.”
Mr Koroilavesau thanked the people and Government of Japan for the kind gesture and said it would further strengthen ties in terms of developing the fisheries sector, especially aquaculture. Edited by Epineri Vula Feedback: swashna.chand@fijisun.com.fj
Through this Grant Aid, aquaculture equipment and a tractor will be procured for Naduruloulou Research Station which is expected to boost annual tilapia seed production by one million. Masahiro Omura Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Fiji