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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 Dalian 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 function 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 America, 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 the 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 international 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 conclusion 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.