Gregory Bennett
David, Wardell
“I’m ready to return to my village now, equipped with practical knowledge and hands-on experience that goes far beyond what I learned in the classroom” said Janine , one of 16 young Solomon Islanders who took part in a recent internship program led by WorldFish.
“I can finally train my community to cultivate seaweed, sharing the skills and insights I’ve gained to help them thrive,” she added.
The internship, run out of the WorldFish Nusatupe Research Station in the Western Province, is equipping recent graduates with the skills to support sustainable seaweed farming in their own communities. Interns learned how to select sites, plant, harvest, and use the right tools and techniques while also gaining confidence and purpose.
“Seaweed farming doesn’t require heavy labor. It simply demands dedication and passion” said Jayron. “I believe I have both.”
Josephine, another intern, emphasized the value of learning by doing.
“Site selection plays a crucial role in planting and there's no better way to truly understand it than by being directly involved in the process at the WorldFish Innovation Hub. Being here, hands-on and immersed in the work has given me invaluable insight into how to make the right choices.”
The WorldFish Nusatupe Research Station, located on Nusatupe Island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands, has become a multipurpose innovation hub for island food systems. In partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources and the Western Provincial Government, the centre brings together research, training and community services. As a Marine Protected Area for more than 20 years, Nusatupe is also a thriving marine ecosystem making it an ideal site for coral restoration, fisheries research and environmental education.
“WorldFish Nusatupe hub provides a great venue for hosting these types of training,” said Fraser. “It creates an environment where you truly feel like you’re making a meaningful impact.”
The seaweed farming internship grew out of a joint trial by WorldFish and the Western Provincial Government, who partnered with a local seaweed farmer from Rarumana to test the viability of commercial cultivation in rural areas. With limited resources available to government agencies, WorldFish took the lead in kickstarting the initiative.
Following the success of the trial, WorldFish hosted a Seaweed Farming Workshop on October 18 2024 at the Nusatupe Innovation Hub. Led by Fisheries Officers and local expert Mr Lamukera, the workshop trained 13 participants from the Gizo area including three women in practical techniques for sustainable seaweed farming.
“After completing the training I now have a much better understanding of the entire process from planting to harvesting” said Jayron.
Sandra summed it up simply. “I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of the WorldFish internship program as it has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to return to my village and teach others about seaweed planting.”
Through these programs, WorldFish and its partners are investing in the next generation of aquaculture leaders. These are young people who will carry forward the knowledge, skills and passion needed to build resilient and thriving island food systems.