The Fishing Industry Association (PNG) Inc. (FIA PNG) is advancing crew welfare and transparency through free onboard Wi-Fi across its tuna fleet. As part of its Responsible Sourcing Policy, this initiative enables crew members to stay connected with their families, access entertainment, and report grievances while at sea. With 87% of its fleet achieving FISH certification in 2026, FIA PNG reinforces its commitment to human rights, social accountability, and responsible fishi

Writing The Fishing Industry Association (PNG) Inc. (FIA PNG) held its Special Board Meeting on September 13, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand. Led by President Sylvester Barth Pokajam, the meeting reviewed the five-year impact of its Responsible Sourcing Policy, sustainability initiatives, crew welfare, and research funding. Members approved a new strategy to strengthen global tuna industry partnerships, expand social accountability efforts, and promote sustainable fisheries

FIA PNG has launched a strategic plan to protect sharks and endangered species by enhancing monitoring, reducing bycatch, and promoting sustainable fishing. Initiatives include 100% observer coverage, survival assessments, skipper training, and safe release practices, underscoring its commitment to responsible tuna fisheries.

On Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary, FIA PNG extends warmest congratulations to our nation and people. Our fisheries sustain livelihoods, food security, and opportunity. Looking ahead, we commit to a responsible, sustainable, and inclusive industry — one ocean, one future, for generations to come.

At the 19th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference in Bangkok, FIA PNG COO Marcelo Hidalgo presented practical strategies for improving fishing efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions. He highlighted fuel optimization, onboard telemetry, AI-powered systems, digital traceability, and transparent climate metrics as pathways toward resilient, lower-carbon tuna fisheries.

We are proud to unveil our company’s new logo, a symbol of renewal and unity that reflects our commitment to Papua New Guinea’s future. This refreshed identity marks a significant milestone as we prepare to celebrate PNG’s 51st Independence Day. Alongside this launch, we are sharing a special branding video that captures the spirit of our nation—the Bird of Paradise soaring as a timeless emblem of pride and hope for generations to come.

The FIA PNG Five‑Year Impact Report has earned positive recognition for its clear account of tuna sector achievements, challenges, and contributions to the economy and community. Highlighting responsible fishing, sustainability, digital traceability, and social accountability, the report’s transparency has attracted media coverage, boosting trust and awareness.

Copilot said: The MSC-certified TUNA YEARBOOK 2026 highlights strong growth in sustainable tuna, with MSC-labeled sales surpassing 400,000 MT and certified landings reaching 3.1 million MT. Comparing industry leaders including PNA, Dongwon Pacific, FIA PNG, Maldives P&L, and Trimarine, the report underscores rising demand, traceability, human rights assurance, and responsible sourcing across global tuna supply chains.

The video documents the crew of the fishing vessel Mavienne operated by the Bluecatch Corporation tuna fleet safely releasing a shark in February 2026. This action reflects the Fisheries Industry Association of Papua New Guinea’s (FIA PNG) ongoing commitment to the conservation and responsible handling of endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species.

From 16–17 July, FIA PNG joined the NFA’s second stakeholder consultation to review and strengthen the Shark Longline Fishery Management Plan. Discussions focused on sustainability, key policy and technical updates, stakeholder feedback and balancing conservation with economic viability. FIA PNG shared progress on bycatch mitigation, crew training, and collaboration with the NFA observer programme to support responsible shark and tuna fisheries and build long-term resilience

The FIA PNG 2025 Five-Year Impact Report has earned international recognition, with publications and organizations such as SPC, Islands Business, INFOFISH, GSSI, GDST, and CASS sharing its findings. The report highlights Papua New Guinea’s leadership in responsible seafood sourcing and traceability, strengthening its global presence in sustainable fisheries.

On a sunny June morning in Scheveningen, Netherlands, FIA PNG COO Marcelo Hidalgo addressed over 170 MSC commercial and fisheries leaders. Drawing from 29 years in seafood and 16 in sustainability, he shared insights on responsible sourcing, MSC certification challenges, and PNG’s progress in tuna and lobster fisheries through science, collaboration, and community engagement.

Despite global challenges, 2025 marked strong progress for FIA PNG members, with tuna catches nearing 300,000 metric tons and fleet growth to 53 purse seiners. Looking ahead, expansion beyond 55 vessels is expected in 2026. The report highlights 5-year data, RSP delivery, biodiversity impact, and our new logo.

The ocean is one of our strongest allies against climate change, absorbing excess heat, capturing CO₂, and supporting billions of livelihoods worldwide. Ocean-based solutions could deliver up to 35% of the emissions reductions needed to limit warming to 1.5°C. FIA PNG is championing responsible fisheries, biodiversity protection, and sustainable ocean management, calling for stronger ocean-climate action and investment at COP31.

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY - To the People, Fishers, and Industry Partners of General Santos City and the Mindanao Earthquake-Affected Areas of the Philippines from Sylvester Barh Pokajam

The 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby focused on shifting a 5 billion Kina trade relationship into sustainable infrastructure via the EU’s €300B Global Gateway. Highlighting the Water Wise Communities Project, leaders pushed for local commodity processing over raw exports. For FIA PNG, the event validated their Responsible Sourcing Policy, reinforcing MSC certification, traceability, and crew welfare to maximize duty-free EU market access.

In 2025, an independent study by experts Wendy Hunt and Alexandra McManus analyzed 281 papers on seafood and nutrition. Their findings advocate for two seafood servings weekly (100-150g each), prioritizing omega-3-rich species. This variety supports health across all life stages. While supplements help, whole seafood offers a superior nutrient profile for optimal well-being.

The 2026 WCPFC report reveals a landmark year for the Pacific tuna industry, with catches reaching an all-time high led by a massive skipjack surge. While key stocks remain "in the green," climate variability and La Niña conditions are shifting fishing patterns westward. This record-breaking season highlights a critical balance: celebrating current abundance while addressing emerging risks.

The BlueRights International Conference on Protection of Health at Sea (Budva, Montenegro, 25–27 March 2026) united maritime experts to advance seafarer well-being. A highlight was FIA-PNG COO Marcelo Hidalgo’s talk on social responsibility in tuna fishing. The event closed with a global commitment to higher safety and mental health standards, ensuring policy aligns with sustainable development.

Last week, FIA PNG’s Sustainability & MSC Coordinator joined the SPC’s FVON Workshop in Noumea (March 16-20, 2026). By using fishing vessels as "Ships of Opportunity," FIA PNG has deployed 6 monitoring devices to collect vital subsurface data. This collaboration with UNSW and IMOS improves ocean modeling, stock assessments, and operational efficiency, directly supporting MSC Principles and climate resilience in the Western Pacific tuna fishery.