Amelia East of BluVolt Enterprise has been named Woman Coastal Fisher of the Year at the National Women in Agriculture Awards held at Suva’s Grand Pacific Hotel, marking a high-profile recognition for a women-led venture that blends coastal conservation with commercial aquaculture. East, who attended the awards for the first time, said the honour validated a business model she and her sisters have been developing to protect marine resources while creating sustainable livelihoods.
BluVolt Enterprise’s initiative centres on aquaculture integrated farming — an approach that combines marine and land-based practices to produce food while maintaining coastal ecosystems. East described the model as contributing to both the blue and green economy, with practices designed to reduce pressure on wild fisheries and preserve coastal resources for future generations. She told organisers the system could be adapted and scaled by communities on other islands across Fiji and the wider Pacific.
The venture is run as a women-led family business alongside East’s sisters. A distinctive element of their plan is a “pool club” initiative linked to their aquaculture activities, which East said is intended to deepen community engagement and provide additional income streams tied to sustainable production. Though she credited family members, relatives and industry stakeholders for mentoring and practical support, East said the award itself was a major encouragement for women entering agriculture and fisheries.
The recognition comes amid broader national conversations about the economic and social benefits of greater female participation in the economy. Recent government and advocacy work has highlighted how empowering women across sectors could deliver substantial gains for Fiji’s development. In fisheries specifically, officials have also been focusing on strengthening laws and training to safeguard coastal resources, signalling a policy environment that increasingly values sustainable, community-based approaches such as BluVolt’s.
East used the platform at the awards to urge young women to pursue passions in fisheries and sustainable farming, emphasising that success depends on passion, persistence and a willingness to ask questions and seek knowledge. She linked her own path to a lifelong love of the ocean, diving and fishing, which she said provided both inspiration and practical experience for building the aquaculture enterprise.
As the sector looks for models that balance conservation with economic opportunity, BluVolt Enterprise’s award highlights the role of small, women-led businesses in shaping Fiji’s coastal economies. The accolade not only recognises East’s work but also reinforces a growing narrative that targeted support and mentorship can help female entrepreneurs convert traditional knowledge and environmental stewardship into viable, scalable enterprises.
Leave a comment