National Fisheries Authority (NFA)

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is calling on people to practice traditional and safe methods of fishing, rather than resorting to dynamites.

Dynamite fishing is the practice of using explosives to stun or kill schools of fish for easy collection.

This practice can be extremely destructive to the surrounding ecosystem, as the explosion often destroys the underlying habitat such as coral reefs that support the fish.

Fisheries officer Mark Bangkoma said this method of fishing is still common in many local areas in the country.

Managing Director of National Fisheries Authority John Kasau thanked the police force for their ongoing support and partnership with the compliance unit that work alongside NFA.

“NFA would like to extend our appreciation to the police force especially the compliance enforcement unit that we have with Fisheries looking at compliance issues to do with management and development in PNG,” Kasau said.

Kasau requested the officers that with the new vehicle they should be able to use it to patrol the downtown area and also the nearby Motuan villages.

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) believes that fishing is the main means of providing food and income for many coastal communities.

NFA supports SMEs through the Project Development Fund (PDF) program, where fish farmers and artisanal fishermen/women can apply for funds to support their SMEs.

When applying for the PDF, all SME proposals must have been in existence for more than three years and must be 100 percent PNG owned.