Fiji has strengthened its fisheries and aquaculture cooperation with South Korea following the signing of an agreement to support the reconstruction of the Makogai Mariculture Research Centre and enhance climate-resilient marine research capabilities.
The Ministry of Fisheries announced that its delegation recently concluded an official mission to the Republic of South Korea, where it signed the Record of Discussion for the Reconstruction of the Makogai Mariculture Research Centre and Capacity Building Project for Responding to Climate Change.
The agreement establishes a partnership between Fiji, the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
According to the ministry, the partnership marks a significant step in strengthening Fiji's mariculture sector and improving the country's capacity to address climate-related challenges affecting fisheries and coastal communities.
The Fijian delegation included Principal Research Officer Tarisi Shaw, Fisheries Technical Officer Onisimo, and invited specialist Dr Monal Lal, an adjunct research fellow and ACIAR project scientist at the Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research at the University of the Sunshine Coast, as well as an adjunct lecturer at the University of the South Pacific.
During the visit, the delegation travelled to Seoul and Busan, where members met with representatives from the marine ornamental industry and senior officials from KIOST, including Dr Yong-Park, Dr Choi and Dr Ji-Yeon.
The team also held discussions with researchers, engineers and academics from Jeju National University, Pukyong National University and Kyungsung University on potential research collaboration, technical support, capacity building and climate adaptation initiatives for Fiji's fisheries and aquaculture industries.
The ministry said the mission provided valuable insights into South Korea's advanced fisheries, aquaculture and ocean science systems, which could support Fiji's efforts to strengthen sustainable fisheries management and expand mariculture development.
The redevelopment of the Makogai Mariculture Research Centre is expected to play a key role in advancing marine research, supporting aquaculture innovation and improving climate resilience in Fiji's fisheries sector.
Located on Makogai Island in Fiji's Lomaiviti Group, the research centre has historically served as an important facility for aquaculture research and marine resource development in the Pacific.
Officials said the new partnership would help strengthen scientific cooperation between Fiji and South Korea while supporting long-term sustainable growth in the fisheries sector.
