by Charley Piringi
The Pacific Community (SPC) is partnering with aquaculture research centres in Asia to develop new, climate-resilient strains of Kappaphycus (seaweed) for farming in the Pacific.
The initiative, in collaboration with the Network of Aquaculture Centres in the Asia-Pacific (NACA) based in Thailand and the Philippines, aims to introduce seaweed varieties that are more resistant to “ice-ice” disease caused by freshwater runoff, while also offering faster growth rates.
“In the Pacific, we’ve seen a lot more rainfall and for those who know about seaweed farming, you know, fresh water is not very good,” SPC’s Principal Agriculture Officer and Aquaculture Specialist Chinthaka Anushka Hewavitarane told In-depth Solomons in an exclusive interview.
“We’re collaborating with the network of aquaculture centers in Asia-Pacific, in Thailand and the Philippines to actually develop these strains and bring them into the Pacific,” Hewavitarane explained.
Seaweed farming is one of the Pacific’s most promising aquaculture industries, especially as other activities such as bivalve farming face increasing risks from ocean acidification linked to climate change.
However, changing weather patterns, including heavier rainfall in parts of the region, have made traditional seaweed strains more vulnerable.
“These new strains will not only withstand climate pressures like freshwater input, but also deliver higher yields, giving farmers more value from the same acreage,” Hewavitarane said.
SPC confirmed that Solomon Islands is among the countries leading seaweed farming in the region, with strong activities underway, particularly in Wagina, Choiseul Province.
The new varieties are expected to be rolled out in the coming years under SPC’s Pacific Regional Aquaculture Strategy and Climate Change Strategy.
The SPC says it is committed with its ongoing development to supporting Pacific communities with sustainable, resilient aquaculture options that can drive both food security and livelihoods in the face of climate change.
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