Emerging oyster and seaweed farming in Fiji and northern Australia

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has partnered with the University of the Sunshine Coast, Fiji Ministry of Fisheries and SPC division of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems on a project aimed at advancing oyster and seaweed farming.

Advancing oyster and seaweed farming in Fiji and northern Australia.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has partnered with the University of the Sunshine Coast, Fiji Ministry of Fisheries and SPC division of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems on a groundbreaking project aimed at advancing oyster and seaweed farming in both Fiji and northern Australia.

Emerging oyster and seaweed farming in Fiji and northern Australia: Project team in Fiji.

To support emerging oyster and seaweed farming livelihoods in Fiji and northern Australia (Goulburn Island and Groote Eylandt) the project will address technical, social and market challenges.

Key objectives include developing a safe, nutritious, and marketable tropical rock oyster product; ensuring reliable access to oyster juveniles (spat) for farmers; supporting the establishment of community-based enterprises, strengthening the capacity of national and regional institutions to support enterprise development and identify and provide options to integrate seaweed into oyster farming systems.

Project team visit Ministry of Fisheries Hatchery in Fiji.

Both tropical oysters and seaweed are globally recognised for their role in supporting regional businesses.

They hold significant potential to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth in coastal communities across Fiji and northern Australia.

This collaboration offers a timely opportunity to foster sustainable livelihoods through the development of oyster and seaweed aquaculture, supporting the long-term viability of community economies in both regions.

The outcomes of this project will contribute to the broader goals of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, working towards creating healthy, resilient, and equitable food systems for tropical coastal communities.

This initiative underscores the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, supporting Indigenous participation, and fostering growth within the industry in the Northern Territory.