𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐙𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐅𝐌𝐑

𝟏𝟓-𝟎𝟓-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

On May 14, 2024, Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the Ministry of Fishery and Marine Resources (MFMR) officially assumed ownership of a Post-Entry Quarantine facility for Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT). We extend our immense gratitude to the New Zealand Government for generously funding the establishment of this facility, situated within the SINU Department of Fisheries.

New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Jonathan Schwass successfully handed over the facility to SINU and MFMR on Wednesday this week.

Speaking during the handover ceremony His Excellency Jonathan Schwass thanked and congratulated all parties involved resulting in the successful implementation of the project where he said New Zealand is proud to support the project.

He said the facility will allow the ministry to increase the support to local farmers, particularly those inland who do not have access to sea fish.

He said GIFT will be imported from Malaysia and kept in the newly handed over facility before moving them to the new Aquaculture facility at Araligo.

In the meantime, the MFMR Minister Hon.Nestor Ghiro said the official handover of the facility marks a milestone achievement for the Freshwater Hatchery Project implemented by the ministry.

“We gather here to mark one of the milestone achievements for the Ministry of Fishery and Marine Resources Freshwater Hatchery Project implemented by the MFMR.”

“Part of this project includes the MFMR signing a MOU with the Solomon Islands National University Department of Fisheries.”

“This MOU gives way for MFMR to have access to the site and to do minor renovation fit for purpose which will allow MFMR to comply with protocols and regulations of importing the GIFT into Solomon Islands.”

“MFMR has been working with donors and other government institutions to develop aquaculture in Solomon Islands.”

“Today marks another important collaboration in this effort as we gathered to open a facility where the New Zealand Government, MFMR and SINU come together in this joint effort, one of the indications that MFMR has been working on in developing the aquaculture is the introduction of GIFT Tilapia.”

“It is with great pleasure that we gather today to mark a significant milestone GIFT importation project official handover ceremony of the refurbished Post-Entry Quarantine facility.”

“This occasion not only celebrates the successful completion of the renovation works but also signifies the strong partnership between the New Zealand Government through MSSIF and Solomon Islands Government through MFMR.”

“This facility is part of the Aruligo aquaculture facility currently in the process of being completed.”

“It is called the Post Entry Quarantine Facility (PEQF).”

“When we order GIFT Tilapia this is where they will have to be held for quarantine purposes for several weeks.”

“After we are sure that they do not contain any disease and are healthy, then we transfer them to the Aruligo aquaculture facility.”

Speaking on behalf of SINU on the occasion, Head of SINU Department of Fisheries Studies Dr.Kofi Otumawu-Apreku express the University’s most sincere gratitude for the significant contribution that will avail the University, through the Department of Fisheries Studies, the opportunity to work alongside the ministry, to develop this important sub-sector of the nation’s economy.

Dr Kofi said,the University is appreciative of the great endeavour to ensure that SINU works alongside the ministry to contribute to the development of this vital sub-sector.

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