Mr. Falesa Beil Fursaurani of Tuvalu recently completed a one-month study visit and hands-on training programme in giant clam (Tridacna maxima) aquaculture with the Aquaculture Unit of the Coastal Fisheries Division in Tarawa, Kiribati. This was the second regional giant clam training programme delivered by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), demonstrating Kiribati’s continued commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and technical capacity in sustainable aquaculture.

Conducted at the Tanaea Hatchery from 17 July to 18 August 2026, the programme was supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO through project TCP/SAP/4006, “Enhancing the Contribution of Aquaculture to Economic Development and Food Security in Atoll Pacific Island Countries.” The practical training covered the full giant clam production cycle, including broodstock collection and management, spawning and fertilisation, larval rearing, microalgae production, water quality and aeration management, biosecurity, settlement preparation, juvenile care, and grow-out techniques.
Working alongside the CFD Aquaculture Team, Mr. Falesa gained practical experience and strengthened his confidence in giant clam hatchery operations and aquaculture management. He expressed his enthusiasm for applying the knowledge and skills gained to support giant clam aquaculture development in Tuvalu.