A dependency on imported goods and low agricultural production translate into a high level of malnutrition and food insecurity in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Due to limited land and fresh water availability, and the risk of overfishing, the local government has identified marine aquaculture as a main sector to support food security.
With support from the Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture (CTSA) and other agencies, the government of Rongelap atoll started a commercial aquaculture project to raise and harvest rabbitfish and moi, two popular fish throughout the region.
One of the main aspects of the project is local production of feed using locally available ingredients, including cassava, marine bycatch, and fishmeal from a tuna cannery on the island. The feed is made on a regular basis by Marshallese technicians trained under the project.
This brief video highlights the progress of the project:
Sustainable Aquaculture Development in the Republic of the Marshall Islands from CTSA on Vimeo.
