The Ministry of Fisheries has continued its push to support sustainable aquaculture and rural development through its pearl oyster farming programme in Bua.

A specialised Pearl Team recently spent a week in Nasau Village, Navakasiga, working alongside villagers and youth groups to improve pearl farming operations and promote sustainable cultivation practices.

During the visit, four spat collector lines installed last year were retrieved and inspected. Although the number of melamela oysters collected was lower compared to previous harvests, the exercise still yielded 405 healthy juvenile oyster spats.

The young oysters were later drilled and arranged into ear-hanged chaplets before being transferred onto ocean mainlines for further cultivation and long-term grow-out.

The Ministry acknowledged the dedication and cooperation shown by the community despite challenges faced during the operation, including significant biofouling on the collector lines and other environmental difficulties.

Officials said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding Bua’s pearl aquaculture industry.