Seaweed wealth in Kiribati

Cultivating seaweed as a cash crop is gaining popularity in Kiribati in the Pacific. Production of Eucheuma cottonii started in 1986 and, after several disappointments, reached 1,283 tonnes by 1996. It is estimated that the industry will become self-sustaining when production reaches 3,000 tonnes a year. There is a good potential for the development of regional trade, as Japan is a major importer of seaweed both as a food and a food additive. For almost half of the rural households in this island economy, harvesting seaweed for use has already become a more profitable activity than fishing, chopping copra, or making cigarettes. Self-reliance has been enhanced because people are better able to meet their needs in terms of food, household goods and services. There is still a long way to go before production can seriously rival that of the Philippines, which dominates the world seaweed market with 300,000 tonnes a year. Nonetheless, aided by significant start-up support through financial and technical assistance, and the acquisition of skills through experience, the results on Kiribati are already encouraging. Contact: EC Fisheries Cooperation Bulletin Vol. 10, number 3., European Commission 200, rue de la Loi 1049 Brussels Belgium Fax: +32 2 299 06 03Cultivating seaweed as a cash crop is gaining popularity in Kiribati in the Pacific. Production of Eucheuma cottonii started in 1986 and, after several disappointments, reached 1,283 tonnes by 1996. It is estimated that the industry will become..