Urgently Review Fisheries Management Act

Dr. Charles Yala, launching the NRI special publication report number 64 whilst author Ronald Kuk looks on 

The contribution of the fisheries sector to economic development in PNG has been remarkably comparable to the extractive and other equally important sectors according to acting director of National Research Institute (NRI), Dr. Charles Yala. Dr. Yala made that point during the launching of NRI PNG special publication number 64 that covers fisheries policy and management in PNG.

According to the one of the authors of the report, Mr. Ronald Kuk, the future of fisheries sector depends to a considerable extent to the economy efficiency, sustainability and competitive advantage of domestic production and export marketing. As such, effective regulatory mechanisms must be in place to drive the fisheries sector forward.

The Report provides a historical overview of the management of PNG’s fisheries resources since 1984. In so doing, it highlights problems that have since plagued the industry. Among some of the recommendations, is the urgent need to review the 1998 Fisheries Management Act to incorporate institutional arrangements established under the 1996 Organic Law on Provincial and Local‐level Government and other natural resource sector and environmental legislation.

In introducing the report in a press conference held at NRI, author Ronald Kuk, reveal whether Papua New Guinea is producing at a sustainable level and whether its fisheries resources are being appropriately managed in line with the government’s economic policy.

The fishing industry in Papua New Guinea remains underdeveloped despite the fact that the country is endowed with extensive fishing grounds around its many islands and within its 200‐mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The total area within the EEZ is 2.4 million square kilometres. Current legislation is restricted to the management of commercial and industrial fisheries. Subsistence and artisanal fisheries, involving the majority of Papua New Guineans, remain largely unregulated, unmanaged and unsupported.

The acting director of NRI, Dr. Charles Yala also made strong remarks for the government to properly regulate, manage and support the fisheries sector in PNG. He added that this could only be possible by urgently reviewing the 1998 Fisheries Management Act.

Ian D. HETRI