By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
A couple who claim to be the first to intervene in seaweed farming in the Langalanga Lagoon, Malaita Province, shared their vision of seaweed farming.
Mary Sede and her husband spoke about offering seaweed to others in the lagoon when they were transplanting theirs.
Mary said they gave seaweed to others for free and encouraged them to get involved so they could earn money.
“At first, I gave it to them just for free. Later, a fisheries officer approached me and told me that I should not give it away for free, but if anyone wants it, they have to pay because of its value and its income-generating potential.
“So currently, roughly more than 40 more people have started and are engaged in seaweed farming,” she said.
According to the Pacific Community report, seaweed farming is a vital part of the national aquaculture strategy and generates income for individual farmers, with some earning significantly more than the average national income.
Seaweed farming is also a major source of income in coastal areas and provides vital family business income.
Seaweed contributes to the Solomon Islands’ economy by providing a significant and growing source of income, especially in rural communities, with the country being the largest producer in the South Pacific.
In Wagina, a regional seaweed hub, some farmers can earn around SBD 10,000 (approximately US$1,200) per month, which is substantially higher than the national average annual income of US$800.
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