National Fisheries Authority (NFA)

Gulf Governor, Sir Chris Haiveta, led a delegation from the Gulf Provincial Administration to sign off the MOU with Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong, witnessed by NFA Chairman Laurie Williams and Managing Director, Justin Ilakini.

Mr Ilakini said the MOU have proven to be the single most effective mechanism for service delivery in the provinces.

This was highlighted during a MoU signing for a Joint Venture Fishing Company to be established in Madang approximately four years from now.

The MoU signing took place between the state and the RD Corporation in Port Moresby on Friday 14^th July, 2023.

With plans currently underway for the establishment of the biggest fishing business that will create employment and ensure fish is process within the country, question is are we ready given the non-existence of the fishing domestication policy.

The cheque was presented to the Goroka Show Society by Jonathan Manieva, NFA Executive Manager of the Provincial Support and Industry Development Unit (PSID).

“It is important that our money reaches the community grassroot level. Through our Corporate Social Responsibility program. It remains a focus of us to maintain consistency in how we disperse support, and through supporting ground level events like this, we hope to maintain a strong link between our work in Port Moresby and positively impacting our people in the provinces,” said MR Manieva.  

The NFA aims to clarify the facts behind its position and the division of responsibilities between fishing vessel companies, processing companies, and government regulatory bodies.

This study is aimed at collecting valuable information on how tuna fishing and processing, ranging from small-scale informal activities to large corporations, contribute to various aspects of sustainable development in local communities.

As part of this effort, the survey is currently being conducted in Wewak, with data being collected from various sources within the community. 

To date, the Fisheries Sector through the regulatory arm, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has made many notable achievements to date that includes;

Rabaul Harbour has become the busiest transshipment hub in the Pacific Region, making it crucial for the NFA to adopt the most advanced and robust surveillance tools to ensure the safety and continuity of fishing vessels using the port.

William said that the challenge for their team, working in the board’s space and board’s office, is to fully understand and implement the intent of the MoA they have signed.

He believes that evidence-based policies are essential for the country to grow, and that collaboration and data-driven decision-making are critical components of achieving this goal.

NFA Managing Director Justin Ilakini, and Chief Commissioner of PNG Customs David Towe, met this morning to highlight the importance of the collaboration, with the aim of better serving the people of Papua New Guinea.

Ilakini expressed his gratitude to Customs for its assistance in ensuring that NFA's work in the fishing industry is attended to.

He acknowledged Customs for its accommodating stance regarding the Global Sourcing Provision, which contributed to the growth of the processing sector in the country.

The NFA is committing K10 million towards this project which will be known as the PMGH Kidney Centre. 

Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong said, “As a former Health Minister, I am fully aware of the struggles faced by patients with low kidney functions and patients with chronic kidney disease who require dialysis is one many Papua New Guineans experience. The high cost of dialysis and care of patients with chronic kidney disease is unbearable for many affected families in our communities.”