Environmentally sustainable and cost-effective solutions: Mangrove oyster farming in Fiji

Originally published on SPC's website.

“When COVID hits, my husband and I continue the project because we know that there’s money there, and it’s easy to manage because we do not need to feed the oysters; we only keep maintaining oyster lines doing repair on the baskets, clean the baskets and monitor oyster growth. It is an additional source of income to our family.”, Losana Savunivula, from Maunira village, Fiji.

In the Pacific Islands, fisheries are not only vital for local economies but also deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of communities. As climate change and overfishing continue to challenge the sustainability of these resources, innovative, nature-based solutions are gaining momentum. One such initiative took place in Suva, Fiji, where a hands-on workshop introduced participants to environmentally sustainable and cost-effective mangrove oyster farming—a practice that promises both environmental and economic benefits for local communities.

The workshop, held in September this year, brought together 19 participants from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry (MoFF), the communities of Maunira, Daku, and Mau, SPC staff, and interns. Half of the community participants were women, clearly reflecting the commitment to inclusivity and community-wide empowerment. The group’s diversity helped facilitate an engaging exchange of ideas and knowledge, ensuring the technology introduced was adaptable to various community needs.

At the heart of the workshop was the establishment of a 50-basket trial oyster farm in Maunira, valued at FJD 20,000 . Funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Pacific Community (SPC), and supported by Hexyl Systems in Australia, this trial project served as a tangible demonstration of how mangrove oyster farming can be a profitable, low-cost solution for Pacific Island communities. The project offers a new source of income in a way that aligns with nature-based sustainability principles.

Oysters are a natural, cost-effective solution for a number of challenges. As filter feeders, they improve water quality by removing excess nutrients, contributing to the health of surrounding ecosystems. Moreover, oyster reefs act as natural barriers that protect coastlines from erosion and mitigate the effects of storm surges—critical in a region increasingly affected by climate change. These environmental benefits translate into cost savings as communities invest less in artificial infrastructure and remediation efforts.

Women participants expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. “It is important that more women in the communities are trained in oyster farming because it is easy to manage and it can be a very successful business. Oyster farming gives us a sustainable way to earn an income and protect our environment,” shared Anamaria Raicoki from Vutia. “It’s a cost-effective solution that benefits us and our children.”

This project started initially as a women's group project and later transformed into a community project. By embracing mangrove oyster farming, Fijian communities can leverage a nature-based, cost-effective practice that enhances both economic stability and environmental health. As this initiative grows, it could serve as a model for sustainable fisheries across the Pacific.