By Loretta B Manele
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) is focused in its efforts to increase tuna catch in the country.
Lisa Sugumanu, Assistant Secretary for Project Management from MFMR talked about the ministry’s plans on this initiative at a side event “Sustainable fisheries development initiatives” at the Honiara Summit yesterday.
She said the ministry is now working on implementing the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant project in Bina, Malaita province to process another 30,000 metric tonnes of catch in the country.
Sugumanu mentioned that the fisheries sector contributes to 10% of the Solomon Islands government revenue and in the offshore sector alone, it contributes to around USD 23 million to the country’s national GDP.
She said the annual catch in Solomon Islands is 100,000 metric tonnes of which 30% is processed in the country while 70% is sold to other fish processing countries.
Another 30,000 metric tonnes of tuna or another 30% of processed tuna would mean a total of 60% of tuna being processed in the country and more revenue from tuna processing.
Sugumanu said to carry this project out, they would need 20 hectares of land, USD 232 million, 1600 employees for the plant, locally flagged and crewed fleet of six purse seiners and up to 25 longlines and an investor to name a few.
She expressed that with these inputs and once the plant is operational by 2028, it will enable Solomon Islands to capture the additional economic value of the project at USD 409 million over 15 years and some additional industries to support the processing plant.
Sugumanu also highlighted that the lack of suitable infrastructure for fisheries, lack of capital and limited market share as the challenges in establishing a processing plant in Solomon Islands.
She however voiced that we must not continue to dwell on these challenges but find ways to overcome.
In this regard, Sugumanu said as the responsible ministry for this project, they continued with their efforts and while they are not yet successful, they have seen some results that assures that the initiative is worthwhile.
Some achievements as mentioned are; 170 hectares of land registered with the Bina Talifu Trust Board of 2020, completed studies for water and harbour requirements, ongoing geotechnical investigation works in refining the enabling infrastructure and dedicated teams to support the project are in place with support from Solomon Islands government and New Zealand government.
Sugumanu said tuna is one of the most valuable resources for the Solomon Islands people and while the current generation is enjoying the benefits we must also be mindful to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to access such benefits as well.
“Therefore, we want to add more value to this resource through capturing another 30% of the annual catch for Solomon Islands.
Improving the lives of Solomon Islanders is a priority for any development hence the project is aimed at improving lives both economically and socially for Solomon Islanders.”
Sugumanu stressed that sustainable development cannot happen without partnerships with our stakeholders.
“We need partnerships nationally, regionally and internationally to make Bina Tuna Processing Plant project a reality.
We continue to look at enhancing these partnerships and are very grateful for future ones as well.”
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