𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝟓 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Photo Caption: Participants on day 1 of the workshop
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), in collaboration with WorldFish, the University of Wollongong (UOW), the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), and The Pacific Community (SPC), is hosting a three-day Design Workshop for Fish Innovation 2 from March 4 to 6, 2025. This event aims to advance national fish innovation programs focused on improving aquatic food safety and sustainability within the Pacific Blue Economy.
The workshop serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to refine current work packages and research questions outlined in the preliminary project proposal. Key objectives include:
- Reviewing the existing research framework and refining project work packages.
- Identifying necessary activities and defining their scope within the ACIAR proposal template.
- Assigning lead agencies and individuals to specific activities while assessing available resources from key partners, including UOW, WorldFish, SPC, MFMR, and SINU.
- Establishing a roadmap for the next steps, including full proposal submission and contracting.
The Fish Innovation project Phase 1 will end this year, and planning for Phase 2 is ongoing, with SINU as part of the initiative. As part of the project, Mr Collin Gereniu, Ms Madeline Solo and Mr Luke Jino from SINU have developed a standardized fish handling module tailored for the Solomon Islands. This module, presented in a newly created training booklet, provides comprehensive guidelines on best practices for fish handling, ensuring food safety and quality.
A key focus of Phase 2 is the implementation of a Training of Trainers (TOT) program, which will be rolled out over the next five years. This initiative will equip local trainers with the necessary knowledge and skills to promote safe fish handling-practices nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of SINU, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (FAFF), Dr Vaeno Vigulu, emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort in advancing fish innovation in the Pacific region.
“Today is your day, and this week is your week to discuss, share, and deliberate on Fish Innovation. This workshop is an opportunity to collectively enhance our strategies for sustainable fisheries and aquatic food safety. The work we do here will have a lasting impact on our communities and the Pacific Blue Economy.”
SINU remains committed to strengthening research and innovation in the fisheries sector and looks forward to contributing valuable insights and expertise to the Fish Innovation 2 project.
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