A new fishing initiative is set to boost rural livelihoods in Vella La Vella, Western Province, with the support from an Asian investor.
Thanks to the Gizo local businessman and Bolopoe tribe chief of Vella, Jacob Kwan who is spearheading the project, known as the Live Fish Project.
The project aims to provide economic opportunities for villagers through sustainable fishing.
According to Kwan, the project marks a “historic milestone” in bringing meaningful development directly to rural communities.
He explained that boats and fishing equipment will be supplied by the investor, while local villagers will do the fishing.
Smaller fish will be returned to the sea, while larger species will be exported alive.
“This initiative will really touch the lives of our people,” Kwan told Solomon Star in an interview over the weekend.
“It should be expanded across Western Province because it directly benefits locals,’’ he said.
The investor, identified as Jacky, said the project is designed to provide employment, stimulate small-scale economic activity, and improve rural livelihoods.
Onboard supervision of the project is being conducted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR).
Senior Fisheries Officer of Research Section Division, Nixton Tuita told the Solomon Star that regulations are strictly enforced to ensure compliance with fisheries laws.
He explained that the vessel Crown Fame 8 is licensed to target grouper species (Panjara), which must measure at least 45 centimeters to be harvested.
Any undersized fish must be returned alive to the sea.
“The MFMR has laws and acts that guide coastal fisheries, including reef fish and shells. If fish are below the size limit, they must be thrown back alive,” Tuita said.
“Grouper also has a closed season during its spawning time, which must be respected. Any other catch apart from the targeted species is considered bycatch,” he added.
After all the catch all the fish will be transported and exported back to overseas.
Kwan revealed that he had secured the investor last month and has since consulted chiefs and community leaders from Wards 7 and 8 in Vella.
Chiefs representing several tribes have endorsed the project.
An official launching ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday to mark the beginning of the fishing operations.
It is reported that each kilogram of live fish caught under the project could fetch around $30, providing much-needed income for rural households.
Up to 20 small banana boats fitted with 15hp engines will be provided to local fishermen, who will use them to catch fish and sell their catch directly to the fishing vessel.
According to Pacific Community the “Live Fish Project – Fishing Vessel” is not a single globally recognized initiative, but rather a category of projects that use specialized vessels for different purposes.
Such vessels are designed to transport live fish, improve fishing efficiency and profitability, or support scientific research.
‘’The specific objectives vary depending on the context—ranging from enhancing energy efficiency and integrating digital technology, to reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable fisheries management through data collection,” it stated .
The Crown Fame 8 will operate in the waters around Vella for about a month, depending on its schedule and the agreement reached between the investor and local communities.
The vessel recently departed Rennell due to bad weather and has arrived in Gizo, Western Province over the weekend ahead of the launching.
Chief Kwan operates a business in Gizo.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
