The Eurpoean Union has donated oyster spat collectors worth $59,819.83 to the Ministry of Fisheries.
The oyster spat collectors will benefit 17 pearl farming communities all over Fiji.
Ministry of Fisheries Deputy Secretary, Sanaila Naqali says this assistance will allow pearl farmers operating in communities to expand their farms and increase their harvest.
Naqali says the assistance will encourage sustainable pearl farming and rural development through spat collection and the value adding program.
Currently there are 36 community based spat farmers across the 4 divisions and 5 established pearl farms in Fiji.
Naqali says the pearl industry is a multimillion dollar industry and Fiji has the potential to become a major supplier given the right assistance and its implementation.
The 17 communities that will benefit from the donation are Malakaji and Navotua in the Yasawa Islands, Nacobau, Namarai- ladies group, Saioko, Verevere and Serua in Viti Levu, Raviravi, Navunievu, Tavulomo, Vuya, Natuvu- ladies group, Navatu and Valeni in Vanua Levu, Naqara in Kadavu, Somosomo and Daliconi in the Eastern division.
