Sun Nov 16 07:28:52 UTC 2025: Fiji’s Coastal Communities Turn to Pearl Oyster Farming as a Lifeline Amid Climate Change and Depleted Fish Stocks

Vanua Levu, Fiji – As traditional fishing practices in Fiji face increasing threats from climate change, extreme weather events, and illegal poaching, coastal communities are turning to pearl oyster farming as a sustainable source of income and food security. This emerging industry is helping to preserve traditions, protect marine ecosystems, and empower women in the informal economy.

For centuries, Fijians have relied on the ocean for sustenance, but declining fish stocks and damage from cyclones have made it increasingly difficult for families to survive. Jelly Ravea, a 58-year-old fisherwoman from Vatulele village, has witnessed these changes firsthand.

Recognizing the need for a reliable alternative, Ravea pioneered pearl oyster farming in her community 25 years ago. Now, she collaborates with the AQUA-Pearl Project to teach other villagers how to cultivate oysters for both pearls and meat. The AQUA-Pearl Project is a partnership between the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries. It supports oyster farmers like Ravea to teach other villagers the ropes.

Oyster farming offers several benefits. It is a sustainable practice because oysters naturally filter and clean the surrounding water and help sequester carbon. The oyster farms are also resilient to storms and cyclones. The edible oyster industry is gaining traction in Fiji, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea.

In Vatulele, women are taking the lead in learning oyster farming techniques. They are eager to learn a trade that can provide a more consistent income than traditional fishing or selling vegetables. The potential economic impact is significant. Oysters can sell for $13 a dozen, providing a boost to household incomes.

Justin Hunter, CEO of J Hunter Pearls, has diversified into the edible oyster trade to support local communities while promoting sustainable marine stewardship. His company cultivates luxury pearls and operates an oyster hatchery that provides juvenile oysters for the farms.

As Lusiana Cole, a young woman from Vatulele, awaits government certification to sell oyster meat, she sees pearl oyster farming as a “glimmer of hope” for her family’s future.

With dedication and support, the coastal communities of Fiji are paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.

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