Josefa Sigavolavola 
The Ministry of Fisheries Fiji, in partnership with the Nasawana community in Vanualevu completed a key phase of its pearl spat farming project in Bua.
The operation involved retrieving recently installed collection panels and transporting them from Natuvu for shipment to Taveuni, a move according to the Ministry is progress in efforts to strengthen sustainable aquaculture and Fiji’s committment to a blue economy.
In a statement, community members, led by the Nasawana women’s group, played a central role in preparing pearl oysters for cultivation which included drilling, assembling, and deploying oysters onto mainlines for growth.
The Ministry noted that a total of 800 oysters were prepared, including black-lip and winged pearl species, now entering their final growth cycle.
Officials say the initiative combines community participation with technical support to create sustainable income opportunities for local communities.
The harvest is expected to be market-ready between September and November.
