Poalaga women (from left): Maniya (grand daughter), Asovalu (mother/grandmother) and Lolofi (daughter).
[11 November 2024: Samoa] – The Poalaga family has been fishing in Samoa for twenty plus years. They took part in a special training program for running a seafood business in November, 2023. This program was organized by the University of the South Pacific’s, Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme, funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden. Asovalu, her daughter Lolofi, and granddaughter Maniya all joined in.
Their family fishing business started when Asovalu came back to Samoa from New Zealand. It grew from just one boat to four boats that supply seafood to hotels and restaurants. The training they took was helpful. It helped Asovalu share her knowledge and gave new ideas to Lolofi and Maniya. Five months after completing the micro-qualification training on establishing and operating a small seafood business, the Poalaga family experienced significant improvements and changes in their enterprise. Here’s how they utilized their newfound knowledge:
Expansion of Fleet: With a deeper understanding of business planning and financial management, the Poalaga family decided to invest in another vessel. This expansion allowed them to increase their fishing capacity and reach more fishing grounds, thereby enhancing their supply of fresh seafood.
Increased Employment: The family employed three more fishermen to accommodate the growing operations. This not only provided more job opportunities within the community but also contributed to the efficiency of their fishing endeavors.
Diversification of Markets: Armed with insights from their business training, the Poalaga family identified new opportunities to expand their market reach. They added four more local markets and restaurants to their clientele, increasing their sales and visibility within Samoa.
Exploration of International Markets: Recognizing the potential of tapping into international markets, the Poalaga family took proactive steps to enter the New Zealand market. By taking fish samples in April, they initiated the process of exporting their high-quality seafood to a broader customer base.
Investment in Logistics: Understanding the importance of efficient transportation, the family purchased a new van dedicated to transporting their seafood products. This investment streamlined their distribution process, ensuring that their products reached customers in optimal condition.
The main tool they learned and utilized from the micro-qualification in seafood business training was the development of a comprehensive business plan. This plan enabled them to quantify their expenditures, forecast their earnings, and analyze their profit margins more effectively. By having a clear roadmap for their business, they could make informed decisions about investments, expansions, and market strategies, ultimately driving the success and sustainability of their seafood enterprise.
Armed with knowledge and passion, the Poalaga family emerges not just as fishermen, but as trailblazers shaping Samoa’s fishing industry. Their success is a testament to resilience, deeply rooted in their connection to the ocean and the legacy they cultivate for future generations.
Media contact:
Lore Croker, USP Communications Officer, lore.croker@usp.ac.fj
