Wesley with representatives from the two suppliers following the handover ceremony — Michael of Southern Coast, supplier of the boats, and Magi Afu of JQY, supplier of the outboard motors)
MFMR Delivers 50 Boats for Seaweed Farmers
Honiara, 10 June 2026: The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) this afternoon received 50 outboard motors and boats that will be distributed to active seaweed farmers across the country as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand seaweed production in Solomon Islands.
The support is aimed at improving transportation and rotational crop harvesting capacity for seaweed farmers, enabling them to access farming sites more efficiently and increase productivity. This will definitely reduce crop loss from delayed harvests thus improve on biomass recovery immediately at harvest time.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, MFMR Deputy Director for Aquaculture, Wesley Garofe, said the equipment will address one of the major challenges faced by seaweed farmers. Seaweed farming is an aquatic activity and the assets received will play a significant role in the farming output.
“Farmers usually experience difficulties harvesting their seaweed because they do not have adequate boats for transportation. We decided to assist them by procuring outboard motors and boats to ensure greater efficiency in harvesting and transporting their seaweed products,” Mr Garofe said.
He added that the initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to increase seaweed production and strengthen the aquaculture sector as an important contributor to livelihoods and socio-economic growth in rural communities.
The boats and outboard motors will be dispatched to seaweed farming communities once transportation arrangements are finalized.
The soft launch and handover ceremony, held at the MFMR headquarters in Honiara, was attended by representatives from the two supplying companies, Southern Coast and JQY, as well as a representative of seaweed farmers from South Malaita.
MFMR remains committed to supporting seaweed farmers through targeted investments and practical assistance that will help improve production, strengthen market participation, and enhance income-generating opportunities for coastal communities.
Deputy Director Aquaculture Mr. Wesley Garofe speaking at the handover ceremony this afternoon at the Ministry of Fisheries
Invited guests and staff at the handover
The boat and OBM at the background