The Fijian government has announced the launch of a four-year aquaculture development plan geared at increasing the output and competitive edge enjoyed by its seafood industry, reports FBC News.

The plan will cover nine species, including blacklip oysters, seaweed, black tiger shrimp, vannamei shrimp, giant river prawns, tilapia, giant clams, rock oysters and potentially pearls.

Fisheries minister Alitia Bainvalu said the plan would serve as a forward-looking blueprint to develop aquaculture production in the country.

Broadly, she said, the scheme aims to reduce the country's seafood trade deficit, reduce regulatory constraints, improve market access, biosecurity, and environmental performance, and encourage investment.

The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization has played a significant role in the plan's development, according to FBC.