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OFCF Projects Transferred to NFA
Overseas Fishery Corporation Foundation (OFCF) has officially signed
the necessary documents for transferring OFC projects that comes
under the umbrella of OFCF to the National Fisheries Authority (NFA).
This was officially signed by the Acting Managing Director Mr. Sylvester
Pokajam and Fisheries Technical
Expert from OFCF Mr. Keiichi Sato on the 14th February this year.
Under this signing two projects will be implemented by NFA for 2007
/2008 financial year which include; supplying and installation of
the engine simulator at the National Fisheries College in Kavieng
and Supply and installation of ice making machine at Kokopo in East
New Britain Province.
The next projects to be implemented by NFA under OFCF projects
include; construction of the National Fisheries College (NFC) Engineering
Training workshop, Supply and Installation of Ice Making Machine
for Tufi in Oro Province , Business Operation Assistance to Madang
Fishermen Association, Business Training to the operation of Fish
Market in Kokopo, East New Britain Province. These projects are
expected to will be implemented in the 2008/2009 financial year
which will be started in April this year.
OFCF was established in 1973 with the intention of joint purpose
of facilitating the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Projects, implemented
by Japanese Fishery Companies or Organizations, as well as promoting
mutual understanding between coastal countries. PNG become the recipients
to OFCF after the Access Agreement was signed in late 2006.
Fishermen to benefit from Cold Storage Facility
Small-scale fishermen from Morobe Province will be able to benefit
from the Cold Storage Facility and Fish Processing Plant. Minister
for Fisheries Ben Semri made this remark during the official handover
of the project. Minister for Fisheries Ben Semri made this remark
during the opening and handover of the facility. The event occurred
at the Malahang Industrial Centre, Lae Morobe Province on the 16th
January this year. This is a K10 million project that was funded
by People’s Republic of China.
He said the focus of the proposed facility is to support the small-medium
fisheries entrepreneurship, whether they are 100% locally owned
enterprises or joint venture enterprises of foreign and local.
Minister Semri said the recent introduction
and promotion of fishing cooperatives in the provinces supported
by Fisheries Credit Scheme will also support and supply tuna to
this plant. He also stressed that with the establishment of such
facility, small local groups must be supported and natured by commercial
viable private sector partners.
He said that once this facility is fully utilized will also play
an important role in the development of skilled human resources
in the seafood processing, value-adding and quality handling which
will in the long term keep these skilled people contribute to the
development of the fisheries sector. “This is the type of
development needed to sustain and further enhance and continue the
government’s strategy for export driven economy recovery and
growth”, Mr. Semri said.
The government is aggressively pursing onshore investments and
also mindful of the need to an optimum balance between development
and fisheries management so that the fisheries resources are sustainable
in the long term. Mr. Semri said the government through National
Fisheries Authority is undertaking significant conservation measures
within the corridors of our Economic Exclusive Zone to ensure that
the tuna stocks remain at a sustainable level.
Minister Semri thanked the Chinese government for funding the project.
He said the fishing relations between PNG and China is young. He
said this relationship has been created with the objective of developing
the tuna fisheries of PNG and formalizing fishing operation.
NFA Assists New Ireland Fisheries with Vehicle
The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is continually assisting
provincial fisheries offices with necessary office equipment, office
renovation and vehicles to enable them perform their tasks effectively.
NFA came to the aid of New Ireland Provincial Fisheries Office
a week before Christmas day (2007) and handed over a double cab
four wheel drive vehicle to be used by the New Ireland Provincial
Fisheries Advisor, Mr Saterek Taput and his officers.
Ms Welete Wararu, NFA’s Executive Manager for Provincial
and Industry Liaison Division, handed the vehicle to the Provincial
Administrator, Mr Robinson Sirimbat at the National Fisheries College
in Kavieng.
At the small handover ceremony, Ms Wararu said that the New Ireland
Provincial Fisheries office is one of the 14 maritime offices that
has benefited most from such assistance due to the influx of marine
research activities into the province, particularly the Nango Island
Research facility. She said also that due to the fact that the National
Fisheries College is in Kavieng, assistance from ADB and AusAID
to renovate and revamp College facilities has been enormous since
2000.
“I hope you will use the vehicle properly which will assist
you achieve your programs and goals and NFA delegated functions
in your province.” Ms Wararu said.
Provincial Administration, Mr Sirimbat upon receiving the vehicle
said he is very appreciative of the Christmas present to his fisheries
office and that he will make sure the vehicle is put to good and
proper use.
NFA pays K22 million to Government
The National Fisheries Authority has paid K22 million as dividend
payment to the government for 2007. Acting Chairman of National
Fisheries Board Mr. Tau Vali and Mr. Pokajam presented the cheque
to the Finance and Treasury Minister Honourable Patrick Pruaitch
on Wednesday 19th, 2007.
Mr. Vali said that over the years people have
created an impression that NFA is making a lot of money from the
fisheries sector in particular from the tuna fishery. “This
is simply not true because NFA only charges six percent on the value
of tuna caught by distant water fishing nation’s vessels within
PNG waters”, He said.
Mr. Vali said NFA is working with other PNA member countries to
develop appropriate strategies and approaches to maximize returns
from our tuna resources. This include: increase the value of fishing
day under the Vessel Day Scheme which has been in full implementation
since December 2007, facilitate more onshore investments within
the PNA through development of industrial marine parks or processing
zones and encourage ownership of vessels by national, corporations
or governments of PNA.
PNG as a bigger country among the PNA has argued strongly in the
recent Annual Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries
Tuna Commission for the commission to allow or direct Chinese Taipei
to release purse seine vessels, one for Tuvalu and the two for Marshall
Islands which were constructed two years ago but were not were not
allowed to export to those two countries.
Construction of Marine Research Facility to Commence
The multimillion kina Marine Research Institute for Papua New Guinea
will kick start its initial construction phase early January 2008.
This was the message from the Acting Managing Director of the National
Fisheries Authority Mr. Sylvester Pokajam when signing the Memorandum
of Agreement with Yatala Construction Ltd Manger Mr. Darly Haste.
Mr. Pokajam said NFA has funded this facility at the cost of more
than K3 million to set this marine research facility in Nago Island
in Kavieng. This facility will breed the depleted marine resources
especially beche-de-mer and other marine species. He further emphasized
that this facility will become the hatchery and the nursery area
for the local people to benefit. “In the long run, the idea
is to make the institution sustainable. The institution would deliver
fisheries programs to enhance fishery workers skills and research
of marine products”, Mr. Pokajam said.
Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) on Coral Reefs, Fisheries
and Food Security
Early this month the first Senior Officials Meeting (SOM 1) of
the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) was held
in Bali Indonesia on the 6-7 December 2007.
The SOM 1 was attended by senior officials from the Coral Triangle
affected countries including the host, Republic of Indonesia, Solomon
Islands, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste.
Other stakeholders including the NGOs and donor agencies were also
presented.
The PNG delegation represented by Mr. Leban Gisawa, Manager Inshore
fisheries, NFA, Mr. James Sabi Manager Biodiversity, Department
of Environment & Conservations (DEC) and Mr. Justin Ilakini,
Industry Liaison Officer, NFA, presented a paper on “Current
and future priorities for action to address marine and coastal biological
resources”.
The CTI SOM 1 was the first meeting of countries and other stakeholders
to advance the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries
and Food Security (CTI). It builds on the APEC Summit in September
2007, at which 21 heads of state from across Asia Pacific welcomed
the Coral Triangle Initiative - a new multilateral partnership to
help safeguard these marine and coastal resources for this and future
generations. The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries,
and Food Security aims to bring together six (6) governments in
a multilateral partnership to conserve the extraordinary marine
life in the region that covers all or parts of the exclusive economic
zones of Indonesia (Central and Eastern), Timor-Leste, the Philippine,
Malaysia (part of Borneo), Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Given the possible linkages between CTI and climate change, it
was only timely that the first SOM was held in conjunction with
the UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, as this could be taken
as a comprehensive approach to climate change, specifically its
future impacts of climate change on marine and coastal natural resources.
2007 Bi-annual Provincial Fisheries Conference
In November from the 26th – 29th, 2007 the National Fisheries
Authority hosted the bi-annual Provincial Fisheries Conference at
the Melanesian Hotel in Lae. This significant conference saw the
attendance of all maritime provincial fisheries officers.
The theme of the conference was “Improving Partnership In
Sustainable Fisheries” with the aim of the conference focused
on carefully
examining the various issues affecting the provinces and to also
examine the best possible development options that both parties
(the National Fisheries Authority and the Maritime Provincial Governments)
can pursue to achieve the desired results in the provinces.
The Acting Managing Director in his opening speech emphasized to
the participants that their participation was indeed very important
in this aspect and thus encouraged the participants to make the
most of the opportunity to exchange productive and constructive
views during the conference. In concluding his speech the Acting
Managing Director, took the opportunity to thank all Provincial
Fisheries Advisors, Deputy Provincial Administrators and senior
officers who accompanied their respective fisheries advisors to
this significant conference. He further reiterated that the outcome
of the meeting will certainly go a long way in the management and
development of the fisheries sector in the respective Maritime Provinces.
Wewak Fishery Project to Start Soon
Papua New Guinea Government and Japanese International Corporation
Agency (JICA) signed for the proposed Wewak Fish Market and Jetty
Development Project agreement which would begin in 2008. Representatives
from the government and the JICA team signed the document in November
2007.
Deputy Secretary for Department of National Planning and Monitoring,
Ms Ulato Avei, Mr. Ichiro Mimura Team Leader of the JICA Basic Design
Study and Acting Managing Director of National Fisheries Authority
Mr. Sylvester Pokajam signed the document in Port Moresby.
Mr.
Pokajam said NFA would continue to work closely with the JICA team
and East Sepik Provincial Government to ensure the project’s
success. Mr. Pokajam said as an important fisheries project NFA
has met all the cost incurred in relation to the formulation and
planning process of this project.
Mr. Pokajam thanked the Government of Japan and the JICA Basic
Design Study team for taking this important project into PNG. Simultaneously
he thanked the Department of National Planning and Monitoring for
its important support given to NFA in facilitating this project.
The Director of Aid Policy and Coordination of the Department of
National Planning and Monitoring, Mr. Mosilayola Kwayaila also thanked
the government of Japan for their continuous support in PNG government’s
development initiatives. He however said this project would not
only benefit the entrepreneurs but also the surrounding communities
of East Sepik and the fish vendors as well.
NFA Signs 2007-2008 Bilateral Access Agreement
On behalf of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the National
Fisheries Authority has signed the 2007-2008 bilateral access agreement
between PNG and Japan Far Seas Purse Seine Fishing Association,
China Fisheries Association, Korea Deep Sea Fisheries Association,
Frabelle Fishing Corporation, Trans Pacific Journey, FA FU and Fong
Seong.
Acting Managing Director of
the National Fisheries Authority, Mr. Sylvester Pokajam said during
the official opening of the access negotiation that PNG would continue
to maintain the good relationship with her partners to successfully
utilize the Vessels Day Scheme (VDS).
He said under the access arrangement, PNG has to ensure the implementation
of the VDS. Similarly the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) member
countries especially the Western Central Pacific Purse Seine fishery
will also implement the VDS as of December 2007. The VDS is part
of the management tool for the purse seine fishery which will be
implemented a part of the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
(WCPFC) conservation and management measure for bigeye and yellowfin
tuna in the Western Central Pacific Ocean.
The VDS will ensure that the total numbers of days for the purse
seine fishing vessels by the PNA member countries are controlled
to maintain the sustainability of the tuna species around the Western
Central Pacific Ocean. The access negotiation formula remains as
usual formula, where catch x price x 6% rate of returns with a limited
allocation of days for each partner. The National Fisheries Authority
is taking the lead to implement this measure and has taken the initiative
to cater for the VDS and upgrading of its Vessel Monitoring System
(VMS).
New prawn fishing company signs agreement to assist the
locals with fishing facilities
The newly established fishing company, Coco Enterprise Limited
signed an agreement with the local fishermen from; Gorehu, Manumanu,
Hisiu, Iare, Delena and Kairuku Islands of Central Province to fish
for prawns. This agreement was signed on the 20th November 2007.
General Manager of Coco Enterprise Limited Mr. Wu Fu Tsai said
the objective of the project agreement is to provide the villagers
with banana boats and dinghies with engines and prawn fishing nets
and other necessary accessories so that people may improve their
lifestyles especially to earn incomes. He said Coco Enterprise Ltd
has recently established and is 100% nationally owned. Mr. Tsai
said that he would like to interact with the local people to fish
for prawns, lobsters and other fisheries resources and sell them
to the company.
“This is an opportunity for the people of Central Province
to have a relationship with the company and sell their prawns resources
to the company”, Mr. Tsai said. He said that villages of Kairuku
Island, Central Province have abundant prawn resources but they
don’t have the market for their resources. Mr. Tsai said this
is the turning point for the people of Central Province to improve
their lifestyle through Coco Enterprise Ltd.
Mr. Tsai said that Coco Enterprise will also train the villagers
to maintain the banana boats and their engines and also teach them
how to mend the prawn fishing nets. He however said the only responsibility
lies with the fishermen is to maintain the fuel cost.
The long term aim of this project is to develop and consolidate
a commercial relationship based on the mutual interest to harvest
and market the prawns resources and share the benefits. According
to Mr. Tsai the company has already signed an agreement with the
villagers to take up the challenge.
China International Fisheries and Seafood Exposition Industry
Participation
A team of Papua New Guinea fishing and fish processing companies
recently participated in the 12th China International Fisheries
and Seafood Exposition in Dalian, People’s Republic of China
from the 06th - 08th of November 2007.
The exposition was an international event with people from all
levels of global seafood attending. These included involvement in
all kinds of fisheries activities, from fishing, farming (aquaculture),
processing and packaging. The event was Asia’s largest fisheries
seafood and aquaculture show supported by the Ministry of Agriculture,
P. R. China, the China Council for the Promotion of International
Trade and the Da lian
Municipal Government.
Accompanied by Officers from the National Fisheries Authority,
the companies participated were those dealing mainly in the dried
products sector (BDM, Trochus Shell, Sharkfin & e.t.c), the
lobster sector and the general fishery (lobster, lobster, fish fillets,
dry products) sector respectively.
Papua New Guinea’s participation was aimed at exposing the
industry to an international market with vast diversification of
product developments in value adding and packaging. It is anticipated
that the industries will be able to return and invest in value adding
and packaging developments to maximize returns on their current
export market.
Thus far the National Fisheries Authority has facilitated and organized
participation of PNG’s Export industries to seven expositions
particularly Europe, United States of America, Japan and the current
expo participation in China.
NFA signs MOA with NAQIA
The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) signed Memorandum Of Agreement
(MOA) between the National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection
Authority (NAQIA) on the 24th of October 2007. This MOA will enable
the function of an accredited Food Testing Laboratory that can provide
credible microbiology and chemical testing services for
Seafood, and related products that meets the growing needs of Papua
New Guinea fishing industry and consistent with the international
standards.
According to the MOA NFA is fully committed to ensure that the
lab attains its accreditation status. This assistance and commitment
in supporting the operations of the lab over the years would include;
equipping the lab, area capacity building and system development.
Furthermore NFA would ensure that all tests undertaken by NAQIA
for seafood exporters would be in accordance with international
standards and testing parameter for fish and fishery products and
water testing would be in accordance with the fish quality control
(export) standards. Acting Managing Director for National Fisheries
Authority Mr. Sylvester Pokajam said that this MOA has brought the
two organizations much closer in understanding and respect for each
other and simultaneously serving the needs and fulfill the exceptions
of our clients.
Fisheries Minister Praises Tuna Forum Sponsors
The Minister for Fisheries Hon Ben Semri praised the sponsors of
the Pacific tuna Forum in the following categories; Gold, Silver
and Bronze during a cocktail functi on
at Holiday Inn Hotel in Port Moresby. He thanked the business houses
for the comprehensive assistance that eventually boosted the success
of the Regional Tuna forum held in Papua New Guinea.
In recognition of their support toward the conference the National
Fisheries Authority presented the gifts of appreciation to the sponsors.
During the presentation, Mr. Semri said that the participants need
to corporate to promote the development of the tuna industry in
the WCP Region. Such cooperation between the Pacific Islands countries,
the Distant Water Fishing nation’s fleets and processors,
will set the basis for greater level of understanding when addressing
such tuna fishery management issues.
PNG Welcomes Foreign Investment
Papua New Guinea would allow foreign investments in tuna sector.
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare made this remark during the opening
of the Pacific Tuna Forum on the 12th of September 2007 at Crowne
Plaza in Port Moresby. Sir Michael said that PNG has a competitive
advantage of being located at the best fishing ground in the world.
He said his government would now push for additional tuna processing
plants to add on to the three existing canneries over the next few
years.
Sir Michael said PNG has taken the steps to support the setting
up of onshore tuna processing plants by offering appropriate level
of incentives to the investors. “While the cost of operation
in PNG is still higher than in Asia, we do have competitive advantage
of being located right at the best fishing ground in the world”,
Sir Michael said. He further elaborated that while PNG having established
the three tuna processing plants, PNG should have additional plants
over the next few years so as to increase the total processing capacity.
Meanwhile Acting Managing Director for National Fisheries Authority
Mr. Sylvester Pokajam said the ownership of pump-boats are still
reserved for PNG but in this fishery, PNG also recognize the need
for foreign expertise in processing and marketing of the catches
for export.
The National Fisheries Authority in consultation with other government
bodies would develop an approved package of incentives and remissions
for the investors in the fisheries sector. Mr. Pokajam said that
PNG especially NFA is committed to both the sustainable management
of the tuna resources and the development of a viable fishing industries.
“We have invested in fisheries research over the years to
better manage the tuna fishery”, Mr. Pokajam said.
He said the recent tuna tagging research program in conjunction
with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community was part of tuna management
insensitive. “The tagging research program was for the tuna
stock assessment analysis including monitoring the movement, growth
and mortality rate”, Mr. Pokajam said. He said the information
may also be used to estimate the amount of tuna that is available
for exploitation in PNG waters.
Marine Research Facility goes up in Kavieng
A marine research and mariculture facility will be built on Nago
Island in Kavieng soon. This is a multimillion kina scientific research
establishment.
Once this facility is completed it would be referred to as Institute
for Sustainable Marine Resources and restocking depleted fish stocks
and other marine export products such as beche-de-mer. This facility
will be the first of its type in PNG and will benefit all the Maritime
Provinces through developing and implementing aquaculture programs
and marine resources. The NFA Tenders Board has approved and awarded
the contract to Yatala Construction
Acting Managing Director for National Fisheries Authority Mr. Sylvester
Pokajam said that NFA has done a lot in New Ireland Province in
terms of investment. This includes the construction of wharves,
the reconstruction of NFC, the seafood plant and the EU project.
Mr. Pokajam said this K3.5 million facility plus the development
of a tourism facility makes the Nago investment unique for PNG.
Meanwhile Member for Kavieng Open Honourable Martin Aini thanked
NFA for the investment infrastructures in the province and look
forward to its successful implementation.
FFA Director General's Visit to Papua New Guinea
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Authority (FFA) Director General
Mr. Tanielu Su’a paid his first official visit to Papua New
Guinea from the 14th – 15th May 2007. His visit to PNG was
part of his familiarization trip to all 16 Forum
Fisheries Committee (FFC) member countries (Australia, New Zealand,
Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, Palau, Federated States
of Micronesia, Republic of Marshall Islands, Nauru, Kiribati, Tuvalu,
Solomon Islands, PNG and Niue) plus the Territory of Tokelau which
is an integral part of New Zealand.
Mr. Su’a’s visit to PNG was mainly to meet with political
heads and heads of relevant government agencies to raise and discuss
key issues evolving around the role of FFA and how best FFA can
serve PNG’s interest. In his address during his visit to the
National Fisheries Authority Office in Port Moresby he emphasized
the need for collective management and conservation of our common
tuna and fisheries marine stock, the need for optimization of benefits
through sustainable management and development which can be achieved
through better bilateral access arrangements and shore-based investments
and thirdly the need to maintain collective ownership and control
of the tuna stocks through reaffirming the FFA vision and guiding
principles.
Mr. Su’a’s next stop from PNG was Niue.
PNG Seafood Exporters Attend the International Boston Seafood
Show
PNG Seafood Exporters (fishing and fish processing companies) have
once again reached another milestone in seafood expositions in their
recent participation at the International Boston Seafood Show (IBSS)
from the 11th – 13th March 2007 at the Boston Convention &
Exposition Center in Boston, Massachusetts USA. The IBSS was combined
with the Seafood Processing A merica,
making it the largest seafood event in North America and the biggest
seafood Show held in the East Coast of USA as it was the 25th year
for the event.
The three days event offered a scope of streamlining of buying
activities and a source for the most comprehensive assortment of
every aspect of seafood products, seafood equipment, seafood services
& organisations, seafood packaging and seafood complimentary
products under one roof. The show attracted all the major buyers
and sellers of the USA seafood market with the majority of visitors
specifically coming from the United States and Canada.
The IBSS is the second show for PNG’s fishing and fish processing
companies to have participated in the US. This show was solely the
efforts of NFA’s coordination and organization in line with
practically implementing the Government’s Export Driven Economic
Recovery strategy and other related policies.
NFA Signs MOU with Overseas Fishery Coorperation Foundation
(OFCF) of Japan for OFCF FDAPIN IV Project for 2007/2008
The newly appointed Resident Representative of the OFCF Office
in Fiji, Mr. Jun Takahashi will be in Port Moresby from 16-17 May
2007 to sign an MOU with the NFA to mark the commencement of the
implementation stage of various OFCF grant funded or fisheries development
assistance (FDA) capacity building and infrastructure projects for
the 2007/2008 Japanese fiscal year. The first phase of the series
of projects to be implemented under the OFCF assistance will be
undertake at the National Fisheries College in Kavieng, New Ireland,
as part of the technical capacity building and training. Other projects
are more of fisheries facilities upgrading and maintenance, ice
making machine and related machinery purchase in Rabaul, East New
Britain. Other potential areas that have been looked at for next
phase of OFCF FDA are Madang, Kupiano and Kimbe.
Former OFCF Resident Representative Mr. Takashi Nagura, who two
months ago took up his new post as the Director – Pacific
Department at the OFCF Headquarters in Tokyo, visited PNG in late
2006 with his two member team of experts and together with NFA officers
visited a number of potential sites to appraise the suitability
of sites and consider the future sustainability of facilities.
The signing takes place at Boardroom at 9:00 am, 17 May 2007, to
be witnessed by Embassy of Japan officials, JICA PNG Office officials
and NFA officials as wells as the media. The MOU will be signed
by Mr. Sylvester Pokajam, acting Managing Director of NFA and Mr.
Jun Takahashi, Resident Representative, OFCF Office in Fiji, Suva.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Feasibility
Study Mission in PNG for the Proposed Wewak Fish Market and Jetty
Development Project
The JICA commissioned team of experts arrived in PNG at end of April
to undertake the detailed feasibility studies into the proposed
Wewak Fish Market and Jetty Development Project which is co-sponsored
by the East Sepik Provincial Government and National Fisheries Authority.
The JICA team, led by Mr. Noriaki Nagatomo, Director, Rural Development,
Grant Aid Management Department of JICA have met the relevant government
officials at the Aid Management Directorate of the Department of
National Planning & Monitoring, the National Fisheries Authority
and the East Sepik Provincial Government on the proposed project.
Under the terms of reference of the study team, it would identify
and confirm the objectives of the project; confirm the relevance
of the project under the medium term development strategy of PNG;
appraise the project activities in line with the Japan’s grant
aid scheme; evaluate technical, economic and social viability of
the proposed project; verify scope of operation and maintenance;
and examine environmental and social effects of the proposed project.
The study ends on 1 June 2007 and the team will furnish the report
on the findings of the study to the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
in mid June 2007. The Government of Japan will then study the Report
and make a decision on whether a basic team would be dispatched
to carry out the design phase of the proposed project. Formal communication
would be made by the Japan Government to PNG through the Department
of National Planning and Monitoring.
The original official grant funding request submitted by NFA to
the Department of National Planning and Monitoring for formal request
to the Government of Japan was between the range of US$5 - US$10
million.
PNA Group Tour to the Philippines
The Pacific Island Nations who are Parties to the Nauru Agreement
(PNA) continued their visit to the Philippines to have a look at
reputable successful fishing companies and fish processing facilities,
ports and related fishing infrastructures after visiting Papua New
Guinea’s tuna fish processing operations in Wewak, Madang
and Lae from the 9th – 15th February 2007. The PNA group to
the Philippines was led by Hon. Ben Semri, Minister for Fisheries.
This visit to PNG and then to Philippines eventuated from an invitation
extended to the PNA member countries by our Prime Minister, Rt.
Hon. Grand Chief Michael T. Somare at the recent Pacific Islands
Forum Leaders meeting in Fiji.
Parties To The Nauru Agreement (PNA) Visit To PNG
A delegation of fisheries ministers and officials from Central
Western Pacific countries visited & toured PNG from the 09th
to the 15th of February, 2007. The delegation consisted of fisheries
ministers and officials from Palau, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Kiribati,
Tuvalu, FSM, Solomon Islands as well as PNG’s Fisheries Minister
Hon. Ben Semri and the National Fisheries Authority executives.
The aim of the PNA tour is to see what Papua New Guinea has to
offer in terms of on-shore tuna processing. PNG offers the best
option for major tuna processing facilities to be utilized by Pacific
Island countries to process their tuna catch on-shore. The country
has the land, infrastucture and the capacity to attract foreign
investors, hence the PNA member countries see PNG as the leading
player in the push for more on-shore tuna processing.
Eastern Highlands Province Goes into Fishing
During a consultative meeting held in Goroka by representatives
of the National Fisheries Authority and the Department of Trade
and Industry in February 2007, 32 inland fish farmers and interested
individuals in EHP showed keen interests to form a cooperative society.
The consultative meeting was wholly sponsored by NFA with the objective
of an awareness of forming a Cooperative Society and registering
these societies under the Department of Trade and Industry as a
business entity. Forming & registering a Cooperative society
was beneficial to the fish farmers as funds from the National Government
would be made available for the farmers to support their fish farming
activities with the main objective of forming the Cooperative Society
not to allow farmers to seek free handouts from the government,
NFA or donor agencies but registering as a business entity to support
sustainable living of especially inland fish farmers.
Fish Credit Facility for Morobe
The Morobe Province is the first province for the implementation
of the Fisheries Credit Facility Scheme (FCFS) chosen by RDB because
of it’s commitment by the provincial government and the administration
to the fisheries sector; the private sector partner especially Frabelle-Frescommar
Ltd which supports the operations of pumpboats and buys all the
catches; and the commitment of fishing groups that have been engaged
in pumpboat fishing in association with Frabelle-Frescommar. In
the first phase of the FCFS Roll-Out Program a total of 12 local
fishermen from Morobe Province were the first to benefit from the
K5 million. Each received cheque payments of K50, 000.00 to acquire
pump boats for tuna handling operations. The loan is repayable over
a three-year period.
Upon launching the Roll-Out Program in Lae, Hon. Ben Semri, Minister
for Fisheries said the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) in partnership
with the Rural Development Bank (RDB) has provided an avenue for
the local fishermen to be involved and participate in the development
of the economic sector. He further remarked that with such avenue
benefit and opportunity the onus is upon fishing groups especially
those fishermen who have received loans and those yet to receive
loans to work hard and manager their operations well to be able
to repay their loans because this is not a ‘free hand-out’.
The Provincial Fisheries Administration in collaboration with the
NFA will assist the local fishermen with all necessary support such
as appropriate technical training, capacity building, and business
skills, etcetera to enable long term sustainability of handling
operations. NFA also has a policy under the Tuna Management Plan
to support hand-line operators.
The Launching of the Fisheries Credit Facility Scheme
On the 12th of January 2007, Papua New Guinea through the National
Fisheries Authority (NFA) in collaboration with t he
Rural Development Bank saw a major milestone for the fisheries sector
in the launching of the Fisheries Credit Facility Scheme by the
Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and the Fisheries
Minister, Hon. Ben Semri at the Airways Hotel. During the launching
Acting Managing Director of the National Fisheries Authority Mr.
Sylvester Pokajam presented two separate cheques; K10 million dividend
payment to the national government and K5million cheque to the Managing
Director for Rural Development Bank (RDB) Mr. Richard Maru.
This Fisheries Credit Facility Scheme will be managed on behalf
of the National Fisheries Authority by the Rural Development Bank
and will provide the much needed support measures to the fisheries
sector but more importantly facilitating a number of fisheries projects
throughout the coastal provinces. The scheme is envisaged to provide
the financial assistance to coastal and fluvial fishing groups and
individuals to increase their income earning opportunities.
The vision of such a scheme is a cooperative & committed initiative
by the boards, management and staff of both NFA and RDB towards
realizing the government’s drive for delivering economic growth
and sustainable development.
PNG Seafood on Show in Japan
Papua New Guinea’s rich fisheries sector was showcased in
an internat ional
seafood and technology expo in Tokyo, Japan. It was a three-day
event which began on the 19th of July to the 21st of July 2006.
The event saw the participation of six fishing and fish processing
companies from PNG organized by the National Fisheries Authority.
The exhibit showcased both live fish and fresh frozen fisheries
products that included tuna fillets, live lobsters, crabs, reef
fish and whole barramundi and barramundi fillets, among many others.
This was the first time for PNG to participate in the event and
considered it as an opportunity for the participants to expand and
diversify markets in Japan.
NFA Signs Bilateral Agreement with Japan Far Seas Fishing
Association
The National Fisheries Authority on behalf of the Independent State
of Papua New Guinea has signed a Bilateral Access Agreement with
the Japan Far Seas Purse Seine Fishing Association on 01 May, 2006.
The occasion emerged after 19 years of Japan being absent from conducting
fishing activities within PNG waters and Western Central Pacific
region. This resulted from a successful c onclusion
of negotiations on 7th April 2006.
Hon Ben Semri, Minister for Fisheries (PNG) said,
“the last annual fishing agreement reached between Papua New
Guinea and Japan was in 1987 and now after 19 years, we have finally
reached an understanding that not only will see 30 Japanese purse
seine fishing vessels re-enter Papua New Guinea’s fishing
zone but also set the platform for the two companies to work together
in the promotion of sustainable fisheries management and development.”
Minister Semri said the successful negotiation of this bilateral
access agreement will bring US$3.2 million or K10 million to Papua
New Guinea.
NFA Renews Access Agreements with DWFNs
The National Fisheries Authority has welcomed the new year with
a load of work on renewing Fishing Access Agreements with Distant
Water Fishing Nations (DWFNs).
It has on behalf of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea renewed
Bilateral Fishing Access Agreements with China Fisheries Association
for a total of eight purse seine vessels; Fong Seong Fishery Group
for five purse seine vessels; Safi Tuna Ventures, Inc. for two purse
seiners, three reefer carriers and six support crafts; Hsiang Sheng
Fishery Co., Ltd for one purse seine vessel and Taiwan Deep Sea
Tuna Boat Owners and Exporters Association for 34 purse seiners
and 13 reefer carriers. The negotiation processes commenced on 7
January, 2006.
These Bilateral Agreements generate access fees as per the Agreement
signed. Access fees contribute to NFA’s annual revenue which
enables NFA to maintain its operations.
EURCFDP Relocates to Port Moresby
The European Union Rural Coastal Fisheries Development Project
(EURCFDP) in the country has relocated its office to Port Moresby.
It moved back to be with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA)
in Port Moresby from Madang on 14th October 2005 after three years
of operation. This is because the implementation phase of the project
is nearing completion, which would be some time next year. The move
to NFA is to institutionalise the project activities to be part
of NFA functions particularly with the Provincial and Industry Liaison
Group.
The EURCFPP began in July 2001 with the aim of increasing family
income through greater participation in sustainable harvesting and
improved marketing of marine resources in coastal areas of Papua
New Guinea. Since its establishment, the project has assisted many
rural coastal families engaged in income earning activities through
commercial fishing at the community level. One example of this was
the establishment of the micro-credit facility in the Madang, Morobe,
New Ireland, and Milne Bay Provinces that enabled successful applicants
acquire outboard motor boats and fishing gears to go into small-scale
fishing businesses.
The RCFDP is an NFA project funded by the European Development
Fund.
Important Maritime Provincial Fisheries Workshop Underway
in Kavieng
This week (7-11 November) senior Provincial Fisheries
staff from all Maritime Provinces, NFA staff and NGOs
are meeting in a workshop at the National Fisheries College in Kavieng
to discuss how to improve the management and development of Provincial
fisheries. The workshop is co-sponsored by NFA and the Coastal Fisheries
Management and Development Project.
This is the first time this group has met for some years, and the
workshop will provide an ideal opportunity to share views and experiences,
and increase awareness, understanding and direction in terms of
what needs to be done. The workshop will consider all current and
planned provincial fisheries initiatives and best to improve linkages
between NFA and provincial fisheries managers. The major outcome
from the workshop will be a range of recommendations for consideration
by NFA Board and Provincial Fisheries Administrations.
K300, 000.00 to be given to recipients under PDF
For the first time in 20 years, the Project Development Fund (PDF)
committee comprising the National Fisheries Authority, the Department
of Foreign Affairs and the Attorney Generals Office met this month
to approve fisheries projects amounting to K300, 000.00. Target
beneficiaries include participants from artisanal & community
based projects and small medium size enterprises.
At the inaugural meeting of the PDF Committee, NFA’s Acting
Managing Director who is also the chairman of the committee revealed
that 167 applications were received from almost all provinces in
the country. In expressing his satisfaction on the interest the
PDF has generated, he pointed out that “the PDF is and will
be a very useful scheme that we can use to promote the Government’s
three pillar policy of; Poverty/Rural backwardness alleviation,
People Empowerment and Export Driven Economic Recovery Drive”.
He however cautioned that PDF assistance is not a handout from the
government and that follow up will be conducted by NFA to the progress
of all PDF recipients. Funding assistance under PDF will be made
available every year.
Payout for Successful PDF Applicants
 
Commencing this week, 31st of September - 4th October
2005 the National Fisheries Authority started paying successful
applicants of the Project Development Fund (PDF) throughout the
country.
Pictured above are two such recipients from the Central Province
districts of Kairuku and Woitape. They were presented K10,000.00
each at the National Fisheries Authority office, 11th Floor, Deloitte
Tower, Port Moresby.
Vudal University to teach fisheries programs
Fisheries Diploma and Degree Programs will be offered at the Vudal
University in 2006. This arrangement has been approved at a higher
decision level by the National Fisheries Board and the Vudal University
Council. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between
the NFA (National Fisheries College) and the Vudal University on
25th August 2005 at the Fisheries College, Kavieng. The partnership
arrangement under the MOU binds three major stakeholders of the
program, namely the National Fisheries Authority, the University
of Vudal and the Office of Higher Education. It is supported under
the relevant policies of the Office of Higher Education relating
to Institutional partnership and accreditation policies. In this
case, the NFA owns the program with accreditation from the University
of Vudal. The MOU specifies certain responsibilities to be undertaken
by both institutions in the implementation of the program, which
may have financial, staffing and administration implications.
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