Elenoa Colati
Love for Fisheries becomes an Inspiration
Elenoa Colati is someone who likes to discover and explore new things and she loves the ocean very much.
Mother of two always wanted to learn more about marine life as it would provide the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills and the different marine species but also discover new ways to sustain our marine resources.
The 26-year-old successfully fulfilled this dream by pursuing her career in Fisheries.
She is currently employed by Golden Ocean Fish Limited as a Quality Controller for two years.
“My role is simply maintaining the quality of processed fish, mainly Tuna at a level that will satisfy both the customer and producer.
“In other words, I inspect our fish process from raw to finished products ensuring that all standards of quality of fish are being met,” she said.
Mrs Colati said the challenges that she faced at work was being employed in a male dominated company which at some days she used to be criticised, encountered disagreements between co-workers.
“At times, I had to take up leadership roles from all walks of life and it is hard at times to correct them,” she said.
She said there were many cases to deal with and research on, in the food industry.
“In the Tuna industry, we have to research new ideas along our processing line from handling to packaging ensuring high quality, safe consumption and meeting customer demands.”
Studies
At the Fiji National University (FNU), College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Koronivia Campus that Mrs Colati attended in 2014, it took her two years to complete a Diploma program and three years to complete a Degree program.
“I studied the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries program,” she said.
Straight after her graduation in 2018, she joined her first place of employment which was Golden Ocean Fish Limited.
“However, during work attachment at Ministry of Fisheries, I have participated in Government Road shows, help conduct seaweed training for women in the Yasawa group, assist in aquaculture developments for local farmers in some parts of the Western Division, help out local fishermen in assessing monthly total fish catch data to be recorded by the Ministry and participate in activities to help protect and sustain our marine resources.
“Experience wise, I am still young and I could honestly say that I am still learning along the way but with all that I have achieved and gathered so far, it has really helped me to be where I am today,” she said.
Mrs Colati’s future is to get her Masters and research on projects to help the aquaculture developments in Fiji.