Ministry to Unleash Potential of Aquaculture in Communities Across Fiji
Asia has dominated aquacultural production in the world. Fully 89% of the output of aquaculture, by quantity, originated in Asia in 2016, and about 62% took place in China, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Mostly that’s because the region had an early start and because policymakers in the three largest aquaculture producers— China, Indonesia, and India—have had to feed large populations. In fact, while a relatively insignificant contributor just a generation ago, aquaculture in 2015 surpassed wild fisheries as a source of seafood for human consumption. The annual biomass produced by aquaculture now also exceeds that of beef, and its growth rate has outstripped that of poultry production, making it the fastest-growing agricultural sector. With increasing evidence that seafood is an environmentally sustainable method for protein production, aquaculture is likely to keep gaining on terrestrial protein rivals such as poultry.
The aquaculture industry in 2018 reached an estimated $232 billion in revenue, for 80 million metric tons of food, according to the UNFAO, with dozens of species raised in marine, freshwater, and brackish environments. The take is expected to reach $275 billion by 2025, according to Adroit Market Research. This is a sector which other countries around the world are trying to grow to also feed its growing population.
As aquaculture has advanced technologically, scaled up, and become more economical, net- and farm-raised seafood have supplied an increase in global per capita fish consumption even with a rising population. Aquaculture now produces about half of all seafood.
Ministry to growing aquaculture
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Government has set its plans on reviving and growing several key sectors in the country and one of them is aquaculture.
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Honourable Kalaveti Vodo Ravu says that programs will continuebut will grow to greater heights. “We are determined to increase production of tilapia fry and shrimp post larvae (pls) so that we
are able to distribute more to current and potential farmers in the country,” explained Minister Ravu. “There is so much potential for aquaculture in Fiji and I am sure that through more awareness and training, more individuals and groups will come forward to state their interest in fish farming.”
“The Ministry has the capacity to carry out more in terms of aquaculture development and we just need to regroup, refocus and restrategise in order to get things moving and on par with Government’s vision,” added Minister Ravu.
During his first visit to Ovalau in Lomaiviti since taking up the portfolio, he reminded communities of the huge potential that aquaculture offers and says that the Ministry is committed to assisting them should they need it.
Chief leads by example
Ratu Bete Rogoyawa is the current chief with his title of ‘Tui Wailevu’
and is based in Lovoni Village, Ovalau, one of the three villages nestled below a mountain fortress. In 2016 he assumed the role of Tui Wailevu, one which he knows comes with a lot of dedication and commitment.
“I have to lead by example and I am grateful to the people who have tirelessly committed to the daily tasks whether it be for religious or social purposes,” explained Mr Rogoyawa.
He realised that there were so many challenges with families meeting obligations and decided that he was going to take the first step.
“I approached the fisheries officer based here on the island to seek advice. He came here to the village and together we scoped for a suitable area for fish farming. Our village is very far from the sea and I knew that farming fish would be an ideal way for us to get our protein need and of course an alternative source of income,” explained Mr Rogoyawa.
His interest and never-quit spirit paid off when he was awarded assistance through the Ministry’s Aquaculture Food Security Program (AFSP) for 2019/2020 financial year. His pond was constructed, piping fitted, tilapia fry distributed into his pond with a supply of feed to last him his first cycle.
“So basically, I was taken care of and it really pushed me to continue,” he smiled.
Mr Rogoyawa says that his sons have been active on the farm as well and he feels encouraged that they too realise the great potential of aquaculture.
“We now have seven other farms in the village and I am so proud that more people are engaged in fish farming. We are now able to feed ourselves and of course sell to others in the village,” he smiled. He adds that during the pandemic, villagers would turn up to his house to buy tilapia.
“I was only selling at a very reasonable price and fetched a reasonable sum. I know that I will continue fish farming in the years ahead,” he smiled.
Ministry calls for commitment
Prime Minister Rabuka says that Government promises to deliver an enabling environment for all citizens of Fiji to live decent, productive and honourable lives.
“This of course means that activities and programmes will be rolled out to achieve the overall vision and the Ministry will continue to work towards achieving those exact goals,” said Minister Ravu.
“Of course there will be challenges and I am confident in the skills and expertise of the aquaculture staff on the ground. They will be able to address them and quickly get the farms back on par with its primary function- producing fish for consumption and sale,” explained Minister Ravu.
“In the meantime, it’ll be up to aquaculture to keep trying to close the gap between current demand for seafood and the anticipated needs of the future. “We need to improve awareness that in terms of health, there is no difference between wild and farmed fish. And there is no difference in the environment, either.”
“If you can find good wild-caught fish, that’s great. But if you can’t, aquaculture is a good alternative as well.”
The further growth of aquaculture also increasingly will include the challenge of confronting the suspicions of many consumers about farmed versus wild-caught fish—especially in an era when the production narratives behind all foods have become so important to so many.
The environmental benefits of farmed versus caught seafood could help in that regard.
“The aquaculture space right now is really about sustainability,” adds Minister Ravu. “And a lot of that is driven by the customer base. We encourage all Fijians to come on board and help us grow the aquaculture sector in Fiji.”
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