A seaweed farming project is creating a new source of income for families in Nanuca Village in Cakaudrove, with villagers turning locally grown seaweed into jam and attracting interest from the tourism industry.
Minister for Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu says two kilograms of raw green seaweed can produce about one kilogram of cleaned seaweed.
She says villagers can then turn one kilogram of cleaned seaweed into six jars of seaweed jam, which can be sold for $5 each, generating $30 in sales.
Bainivalu says tourists visiting Nanuca for snorkelling have already shown interest in the product, while Koro Sun Hotel has also placed an order.
She says the Ministry recently supported the village with 500 new seaweed farming lines, and 13 community members are involved in the project.
The Minister says the farming structures have also managed to withstand harsh weather conditions during their first month of operation.
Bainivalu says projects like this can help rural communities turn their ocean resources into local products, businesses and income while creating links with the tourism industry.
She adds that Nanuca Village is demonstrating how sustainable fisheries can create new economic opportunities for rural communities.
