Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that as part of his ongoing effort to diversify American Samoa’s economy, the Hawaii Sea Grant College Program and the Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture have agreed to send Dr. Jim Rakocy of the University of the Virgin Islands to American Samoa to conduct two aquaculture workshops during the week of March 8.

            “Dr. Rakocy is an expert in aquaponics which combines aquaculture with agriculture,” the Congressman said.  “He will be on island to provide two educational/training workshops on aquaponics and greenwater culture.”

            “Dr. Rakocy’s visit is supported by the Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture and is targeted to assist local individual fish farmers.  Dr. Rakocy will discuss the principles, design and construction of aquaponics.  He will also perform site visits to help our local farmers with these new systems.”

“While in American Samoa, Dr. Rakocy will also have an opportunity to visit some of our tilapia farms so that he can assess and provide assistance to our fish farmers.  Dr. Rakocy will also be available to meet with any stakeholders who wish to discuss aquaponics.”

            “I am pleased that Dr. Rakocy will be on island and, as I have said many times before, I believe that aquaculture is a business that can help diversify American Samoa’s economy if our farmers have the proper training and tools.  This is why I would like to thank Dr. Cheng-Sheng Lee, Director of the Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, for supporting Dr. Rakocy’s workshops.”