An article from The Fiji Times published on February 3, 1983, detailed the successful introduction of grass carp in Fiji, aimed at controlling weeds in the Rewa River. The fish, which were sourced from India, New Zealand, and China, have thrived, with Japanese aquaculture experts expressing satisfaction with their progress. Capable of growing up to 10 kg, approximately 8,500 grass carp were prepared for release into the river, where they are expected to reproduce naturally.
However, the fish did not spawn in pond conditions, prompting experts to experiment with hormone injection techniques for inducing spawning. They are also conducting surveys to collect naturally spawned eggs from the river. Alongside these efforts, the Naduruloulou fish farm, a part of multiple Japanese Technical Cooperation projects, is also exploring river prawn cultivation, alongside building essential infrastructure like reservoirs and water piping systems.
Additionally, another fish species, puntius gonionotus, which was introduced from Malaysia, has escaped into the Rewa River during floods in 1980. This species flourished in the river system, thriving from the estuaries to its upper regions, reaching weights of up to 2 kg. Known for its palatability, many local villagers have taken to fishing for grass carp.
These developments in aquaculture align with Fiji’s ongoing commitment to sustainable seafood production, as underlined by recent legislative efforts such as the Aquaculture Bill 2024. This legislation aims to enhance the aquaculture sector, improve food security, and create jobs while ensuring responsible resource management.
Overall, the initiatives surrounding grass carp and other aquaculture practices in Fiji not only enhance local biodiversity but also strive towards fostering sustainable growth in the fisheries sector, ensuring food security for present and future generations. The continuous strive for innovation reflects a hopeful future for the sustainable management of fisheries in Fiji.
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