GOVERNMENT FUNDS SEAWEED FARMING
Seaweed farming is still regarded as a key alternative livelihood option for our 850 coastal communities as it provides quick and reliable economic opportunities and is harvested in six weeks.
With the onset of job losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the financial support rendered to the Seaweed Programme for the 2020- 2021 fiscal year is timely. Seaweed farming involves low capital input, low technology, easy skill and knowledge transfer to target groups. There is also an ongoing market demand and opportunity to access wide range of markets from cosmetics, medicine, biofuel and food.
Wild seaweed harvest including Caulerpa sp. (nama), Gracilaria sp (lumi cevata or lumi yabia), Codium sp. (sagati), lumi wawa are some edible seaweeds harvested mostly by our women and has a distinct domestic demand for both food and market sales.
Strictly adhering to best farming practices, farmed seaweed can be a viable option to securing expanding income streams for all coastal communities
With a budget of $259,000.00, the Ministry of Fisheries offers technical advisory services to potential farmers, assist existing seaweed farmers with farm start up materials, undertake grow-out and valueadding trainings, and facilitates a pathway to markets.
The Ministry of Fisheries is targeting to achieve 40 metric tonnes for this new financial year and consultations have been carried out with experienced farmers to resume farming at proven seaweed farm sites. Funding will also assist in establishing nurseries in identified areas in Fiji.
In terms of value adding, women groups especially in the Tailevu coastal communities have been engaged in value adding activities such as the production of seaweed lotion and soap. The ministry also acknowledges the bilateral assistance from the Indonesian Embassy over the years, especially in providing farmer trainings, value adding workshops, scoping tours and information sharing on best farming practices.
Director for Fisheries, Mere Lakeba says that the ministry hopes to strengthen collaboration with its development partners to develop this small scale aquaculture initiative to industry scale, and provide better opportunities for our communities.
“Seaweed farming has certainly come a long way in Fiji since commercially cultured seaweed was first introduced in 1984 from Tonga. During the mid to the late eighties, seaweed farming spread to coastal communities in Rakiraki, Tavua, Yasawa, Tailevu South, Southern Lau, Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata. During this era, seaweed production totalled 673 tonnes with farm gate price hovering at US$300 (FJ$635.34) per tonne,” Ms Lakeba said.
Coastal communities have seen the benefits of seaweed farming and have opted to continue with their farming plans.
“With the current pandemic, the Ministry strongly believe that our coastal communities can revitalise alternative sources of livelihood especially those who depend solely on fishing as a source of income,” added Ms Lakeba.
There are plans in expanding several farming sites around the country noting the trends of reverse migration from the formal and economic centres back to their communities or villages to better utilise land and resources including farming and fishing for a living. The ministry is designing its communications and awareness programmes to offer a wide range of livelihood options for Fijians residing along the main river systems, coastlines or in the islands. Interested communities are encouraged to visit their nearest Fisheries Service Centre for further information and advice.