Fiji has taken a significant step toward enhancing its fisheries and aquaculture sector following the signing of an agreement with South Korean partners aimed at rebuilding the Makogai Mariculture Research Centre and strengthening climate resilience initiatives.

The agreement, signed during an official visit by a Ministry of Fisheries delegation to the Republic of South Korea, formalises cooperation between Fiji, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), and South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

The partnership will support the reconstruction of the Makogai Mariculture Research Centre while advancing capacity-building programmes designed to help Fiji respond to climate change and strengthen marine research capabilities.

The Fijian delegation included Principal Research Officer Tarisi Shaw, Fisheries Technical Officer Onisimo, and marine science specialist Dr. Monal Lal, who serves as an Adjunct Research Fellow and ACIAR Project Scientist at the Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research at the University of the Sunshine Coast, as well as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of the South Pacific.

During visits to Seoul and Busan, the delegation met with leaders of KIOST and representatives from South Korea’s marine ornamental industry. Discussions focused on research partnerships, technical assistance, training opportunities and climate adaptation strategies for Fiji’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

The team also held consultations with academics and researchers from Jeju National University, Pukyong National University and Kyungsung University to explore future collaboration in marine science and fisheries development.

Officials say the visit provided valuable exposure to South Korea’s advanced fisheries, aquaculture and ocean science systems, supporting Fiji’s efforts to promote sustainable fisheries management, expand mariculture development and strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges through the redevelopment of the Makogai facility.