Research & Development
  • Seaweed     

    In mid 90s, seaweed trials were carried out in one of the islands; Nui. All these trials failed. In late 2002, seedlings were also air-freighted from Fiji and again planted in the Funafuti lagoon. A few months later seaweeds were eaten by fish. The site selection was also a problem because it was far from the main village and during bad weather; no one could visit the site.

    A consultant from the SPC recommends changing of the site and the methodology used from the off bottom (stake and line) method to the long line method. He recommends changing of the site to the village, for simple access. Unfortunately, the department has not practice the recommended advice due to the unavailable fund to make another shipment of seedlings from neighboring countries.