I am Sumilesh Pal, a proud Fijian from an Indo-Fijian family background. I have always been very passionate about the natural environment and sustainable use of resources. Since childhood I enjoyed learning about marine life, the biology, ecology and chemistry of the organisms. Fiji is known for being surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and oceans, which provided me an opportunity to want to explore more. This is where my desire of research developed. The ocean has a great diversity of living creatures that provides a great deal of prospect for research.

I completed my Post Graduate Diploma and Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from University of the South Pacific. I currently hold a PASS-CR scholarship from ACIAR to complete my Master’s Degree from Fiji National University. The research for my Master’s focuses on the Development of Organic Fertilizer using Pearl Oyster Tissue by-product. This leads to sustainable use of the waste that is produced in the pearl farming. I have a publication arising from my postgraduate research, a paper has just recently been published under FNU research projects and I’m also a co-investigator for a few current research projects.

• Mabè Pearl Oysters
• Black Lip Pearl Oysters
• Agriculture
• Sustainability
• Fertilisers
• Marine Science

Masters of Science in Fisheries
Project Title: Development of organic fertilisers using pearl oyster tissue by-products.

ACIAR Project - FIS/2019/122
Towards more profitable and sustainable mabe pearl and shell-based livelihoods in the Western Pacific

Supervisor: Dr Ravinesh Ram, Fiji National University
Co-Supervisor: Professor Paul Southgate, University of the Sunshine Coast

Click here for more information (available on the ACIAR website).

Twitter: @Suzzie_Pal
LinkedIn: Sumilesh Pal
ORCiD: 0000-0003-2951-1157