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Fiji is looking to tap into the giant squid fishery

July 4, 2014 8:09 pm

A research is currently being undertaken to determine if Fiji has breeding grounds of giant squid and whether local small-scale fishermen can tap into this market.

The joint exploratory research conducted by the Department of Fisheries and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) has resulted in the capture of giant squid species.

SPC Fisheries Development Officer William Sokimi says the diamond back species, has been found in the Kadavu waters, waters outside Suva and there is a possibility of breeding grounds out in the islands.

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Sokimi says SPC was approached by government to spearhead the research.

While the giant squid fishery concept is new to Fiji, it is in big demand in Japan, where a local giant squid sells for twelve US dollars a kilogram.

Samples of the giant squid will be given to hotels and resorts to try out and if they want it, training will be provided to local small-scale fishermen to fish for giant squids to meet the demand.

In the meantime, the giant squid exploration will continue.