In conclusion, the major factors important to the success of a trochus culture venture in Vanuatu are as follows.
Most of the problems associated with trochus culture have been overcome.
It has yet to be demonstrated that high survival rates on the reef after outplanting can be achieved.
Related to this, it has yet to be demonstrated that ranching is an effective means of augmenting fished trochus stocks. The questions of what scale of production is necessary to make a noticeable difference to the stocks, as well as whether these scales are achievable in Vanuatu, need to be considered.
It is inadvisable to set up a trochus rearing facility in Vanuatu without utilizing the experience and expertise in Okinawa or Palau.
Since the techniques, facilities and expertise are already in place elsewhere for rearing trochus - particularly in Okinawa, Japan, and the MMDC in Palau - the problem of survival after outplanting may best be addressed at one of these places. It is inadvisable to consider full-scale production of trochus, in Vanuatu or elsewhere, until high survival rates between outplanting and harvesting have been demonstrated.
It is considered that the choice of a suitably experienced mariculture specialist is essential if the proposed project is to have any chance of success. That person should receive prior training in the techniques of trochus culture and ranching in Okinawa or Palau, or both.
If high survival rates of trochus between outplanting and harvesting can be achieved, Vanuatu may be well suited to such a programme. This is because (i) trochus fishing is well suited to the lifestyle of Pacific islanders, and is a major component of village fisheries in many areas (David 1985); and (ii) there is a company in Port Vila (Melanesian Shell Products Pty. Ltd.) which manufactures button blanks for export. This operation may serve as a model for developments that are suited to the Pacific islands, because they are labour-intensive and enhance the export value by processing the primary product within the country.
Since surveys have shown that many parts of Vanuatu do not hold trochus in commercial quantities (Devambez 1959, 1961; Bouchet and Bour 1978), and that suitable trochus habitat is in many places restricted, it should be borne in mind that the potential for enhancing the trochus stocks in Vanuatu is limited.
Nevertheless, if the topics cited in points 2 to 5 above are addressed successfully, it is reasonable to expect that trochus culture and ranching in Vanuatu will be a success.
