In Fiji’s coastal regions, a flourishing octopus’ fishery, primarily supported by women, provides a vital economic advantage for local communities, according to a recently published report on Octopus harvesting.
Apart from harvesting, these fisherwomen are essential to the processing and the marketing of octopus, a product that has become a more sought-after commodity in the local markets.
The much-anticipated octopus season starts from May to September, as the cold season approaches.
Women fishers rely heavily on natures clues as indicators of the octopus’s season and to determine the month and time of day octopus is plentiful. “During the octopus’s season, octopus is plentiful when the moon is still visible in the morning”, according to a women interviewed in the report.
The octopus’ fishery has substantial economic potential. “Since octopus is a highly prized delicacy, costs have increased significantly over time. The average price of octopus was FJ$3.52 (US$1.56) per kilogram in 1992; by 2016, that amount has skyrocketed to FJ$7.13 (US$3.17) per kilogram. This trend highlights the growing popularity and demand for octopus as a gourmet ingredient”, said Dr Rusila Savou one of the authors of the report.
In the local markets the size of the octopus is important in determining the price. Larger octopuses (≥2.5 kg) can fetch prices between FJ$35 (US$15.57) and FJ$50 (US$22.26), while smaller ones (0.5–1.5 kg) range from FJ$5 (US$2.22) to FJ$15 (US$6.67). For the fisherwomen who depend on these profits to sustain their families, the high market prices underscore the economic importance of octopus fishing.
The report highlighted that octopus fishery plays an important role in the reduction of unemployment by providing vital employment possibilities, particularly for women in rural areas. “Women engage in numerous facets of the fisheries, from harvesting to processing and marketing. This multi-faceted involvement not only boosts their income but also empowers them within their communities,” according to the report.
Research indicates that about 70 percent of inshore fisheries catch in the Pacific Islands is used for subsistence purposes, making it essential for food security. For many families, the income generated from octopuses’ sales is vital for meeting daily needs and supporting household expenses.
Octopus harvesting is not always a luxurious business, women fishers endure all sorts of challenges in their pursuit of harvesting octopus. Dr Savou highlighted the challenges in her report “Octopus Harvesters in Fiji”, “women faced challenges such as lack of protective gears for harvesting. Since the octopus season usually peaked at around the same time as the cold season, posing health hazards such as Flu, pneumonia and hyperthermia for women fishers”.
Additionally, poor octopus handling and storage practices can also result in deteriorated quality, which can impact pricing and marketability.
Fisherwomen are becoming more interested in using value-adding methods, such smoking or packing octopus for sale, to overcome these challenges. Such developments could diversify revenue streams in addition to improving the product’s marketability. Economic growth in this industry should be further supported by training initiatives that emphasise optimal techniques for handling, storing, and adding value to fish.
Concerns regarding sustainability are raised by the lack of precise management legislation as the octopus fishery continues to expand. Overfishing might endanger not just the octopus’s population but also the livelihoods of people who depend on it if regulations are not put in place.
“It is important to put in place a management structure that acknowledges the critical role that women play in this fishery. More sustainable practices and more economic resilience can result from empowering these fisherwomen through education, resource access, and active participation in decision-making”, said the report.
The octopus’s fishery in Fiji offers a substantial economic potential, and its success is largely due to the participation and efforts of women. Stakeholders can guarantee the long-term growth of this profitable sector by acknowledging their contributions and resolving the issues they encounter.
