June 16, 2011

 

Fiji: Skills upgrading vital for aquaculture sector

 

 

It is necessary to upgrade the skills of personnel involved in the progress of aquaculture in the country, according to fisheries officer, Alifereti Senikau.

 

Senikau raised the issue at the aquaculture workshop on Tuesday (Jun 14) and said the lack of expertise in the area would cause inconsistency in development.

 

"We need upskilled field officers as they are in touch with farmers, knowledgeable in the aquaculture sector and would establish a consistent relationship with everyone out there in the field," he said.

 

Deputy permanent secretary Penina Cirikiyasawa said the fisheries department supplied free prawn post larvae and tilapia fingerlings for farmers and provided technical services.

 

Senikau said Freshwater Aquaculture Plan which was under the Aquaculture Development Plan for 2011-14 was also being reviewed.

 

"There is also the recent establishment of the Interim Tilapia Farmers Association where farmers can raise issues related to their work," Senikau said.

 

The officer also raised the issue of seed supply to all the three divisions in the country participating in aquaculture development. Senikau said the draft aquaculture decree would be submitted once completed.