Expert: Big potential for seaweed farming

Business, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday 02nd August, 2012

By GIBSON GEORGE TORASO
UPNG journalism student

COMMERCIAL seaweed farming in Papua New Guinea has great potential, an expert says.
Jekeius Sari Bulan, technical officer from Malaysian company Seaweed Marine (PNG) Ltd, says that if the government and private sector recognise the potential and invest in farming seaweed, the results will have great impact on the economy and lives of the people.
The company is involved in commercial seaweed farming in Milne Bay waters.
Bulan is training residents of Sideia Island in Samarai district how to treat, farm and harvest seaweed for drying before it is exported overseas.
He said seaweed was a multi-purpose crop which could be used in food manufacturing and cosmetics, among others.
 “With markets available in the US, Europe, Malaysia and other parts of the world, PNG can seize the opportunity with its vast reefs to farm and harvest seaweed to enter these markets,” Bulan said.
He said his company’s trial farming and harvesting in Milne Bay was going well and the company would expand to other coastal areas to benefit the local people.
Justus Jeffery, project supervisor and a local from the area said the company was bringing positive change and development to the area.
“It’s the first company involved in the area to create employment and the opportunity for income generation for the local people,” he said.
Jefferey said the project was also changing the attitudes of the youths in the area, many of whom were once involved in unlawful activities. They now have steady work and pay.