The International Tropical Rock Oyster Workshop took centre stage in Darwin, Australia last week. Hosted by Northern Territory Fisheries and The Pacific Community (SPC) Fisheries Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems FAME Division, the event is a melting pot for oyster farming enthusiasts. It was an opportunity to exchange cutting-edge knowledge and insights on tropical oyster aquaculture research and development.
Mangrove oysters have captured the hearts of Pacific islanders, stirring excitement among coastal communities not only for their delectable taste but also for their remarkable ability to act as nature’s own water purifiers. Also, with their blend of simplicity, value, and nutritional richness, this emerging aquaculture venture has garnered attention from Asia to northern Australia. However, challenges loom, from reliable hatchery production to maintaining oyster health and ensuring food safety and quality. Thankfully, the workshop birthed a global alliance committed to addressing these bottlenecks and sharing invaluable expertise.
Among the participants hailing from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia were two remarkable researchers, Julie-Anne Kerandel and Melody Vanukon. Their journey to the oyster workshop was made possible through the support of Women in Seafood Australia (WISA), a beacon for women in the seafood industry.
Originally published on The Pacific Community website, 2 June 2023.
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