The Market Development Facility (MDF), supported by the Australian Government and implemented by The Palladium, will be carrying out a yachting survey to see the socio impact of maritime industry.

Port Denarau Marina General Manager Cynthia Rasch said, “At the moment there is nothing in particular that gives you the guideline, expect the survey that Port Denarau marina gives you independently on the multiplying effect of the maritime industry.”

“This will be the first to be done. The survey will be done independently,” she said.

“We are very excited about it because it is something to show back to Government on how this industry is running – it is so important and we need to make it bigger and proper.”

Ms Rasch added that currently the position for a consultant has been advertised.

“Once the consultant is engaged then we will expect to start the survey in early September and complete it towards the end of our season in November.

Interestingly, transportation over water is the only mode of transport to majority of the outer islands and resorts in the Mamanuca and in the Yasawa’s. The study and guideline  include:

 The benefit of the maritime industry?

The impact?

How many employees are employed in the maritime industry?

How much money is made from a commercial operator or visiting vessels?

How much of that is dispersed into the community or the outer islands etc?

How much of a wider employment does it generate; and the magnitude of things involved?

She added that Port Denarau Marina and Vuda Marina will assist with the project to get interviews with commercial operators, employees and visiting yachts etcetera.

She said that the Ministry of Lands last Friday has approved that dredging  be undertaken in the port to maximise its full potential.

“Despite the cyclone in April we had actually had a good start for the season. We have some vessel here for the first time including super yachts. We are working very hard and tirelessly,” Ms Rasch said.