Review and Recommendations for Reduction of Nitrogen Export to the Coral Coast of Fiji 41
highly infectious to humans Cole et al., 1999; Hill, 2003. Such zoonotic pathogens and parasites can be readily transmitted to humans through direct occupational
exposure to faecal wastes or contaminated land, groundwaters and surface-waters. Exposure can also occur more indirectly though consumption of contaminated food
sources, such as filter-feeding shellfish or waste-irrigated crops.
Figure 17:
Collection of small village piggery enclosures ~25 pigs in total situated approximately 20 m from beach high tide level. This area was in a depression where
drainage from the adjacent hillside ponds during rainfall. Contaminated water from this site would then either seep as groundwater to the nearby beach or adjacent stream.
Photo: Chris Tanner.
6.2 Recommendations
Immediate:
Review and Recommendations for Reduction of Nitrogen Export to the Coral Coast of Fiji 42
•
Move piggeries away from streams and ephemeral channels. This should enhance the potential for soil and vegetation to retain and treat
wastes before it reaches surface waters and ravines.
Longer Term:
•
Develop sustainable systems that promote improved production and reduce offsite waste contamination. NIWA will explore the design
and management aspects of “in-pen” composting systems used in New Zealand. These systems hold promise for stabilizing piggery
waste and eliminating disposal into surface waters.
•
Build connections with other initiatives in the Pacific Islands that are focused on piggery management. A major universitygovernmental
initiative focused on curtailing piggery contamination is now underway in American Samoa:
http:ag.arizona.eduregion9wqcnmisuccess.htm
Figure 18:
Small household piggery capacity ~4-10 pigs situated on the banks of a tidal river. Photo: Chris Tanner.
Review and Recommendations for Reduction of Nitrogen Export to the Coral Coast of Fiji 43
Review and Recommendations for Reduction of Nitrogen Export to the Coral Coast of Fiji 44
7. Acknowledgements
