The resource itself requires further assessment and a management plan may be needed prior to the further exploitation. Little scope exists for the overseas export of reef fishes, due to the multi-species nature of island fish resources, volume and lack of processing equipment. There is a high demand, however, for quality reef fish in Rarotonga from local markets. The lack of suitable smoking wood on atolls represents a constraint for smoked fish production on many of the northern atolls. When in place, FADs are an effective way of increasing catch per unit effort.
Fishermen can reduce their search time and save on fuel by going to just one location.
They also increase the safety of fishing, as fishermen only have to visit one spot. In the future, fishing organisations in conjunction with government will no doubt want to deploy more FADs to significantly increase the volume of catches of tuna, wahoo and flying fish. This is a sign that fishing is an effective means of gaining income, and that there is a market for pelagic fish in Rarotonga. Despite the high cost of transportation, it may be appropriate to investigate ways of adding value to export produce. Smoked fish, jerky products, filleted fish and dried fish are all potential exports.