FISHING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

The Fishing Industry Association (PNG) Inc. held its 2025 AGM on November 30 at the Heritage Hotel, Manila, chaired by President Sylvester Pokajam. Members adopted the 2024 audit, approved the 2026 budget, and re-elected the Executive Committee. Updates on the Responsible Sourcing Policy and ongoing projects underscored FIA PNG’s commitment to sustainable fisheries.

Since signing the EU Pacific Interim Economic Partnership Agreement in 2009, PNG has gained duty-free access to the EU, fueling rapid growth in tuna exports—from a few thousand tonnes to over 200,000 by 2024. Supported by the Responsible Sourcing Policy, PNG is now a global benchmark in sustainable fisheries, leading in Germany and ranking third in Spain.

The National Fisheries Authority of Papua New Guinea, with CLS Oceania and FIA PNG vessels, has launched a pioneering ghost gear tagging project using NAOS satellite buoys. This initiative tracks abandoned fishing gear to reduce marine hazards, protect biodiversity, and support sustainable fisheries. Data collected will inform global mitigation strategies and strengthen ocean stewardship.

Last week, COO Marcelo Hidalgo joined the 3rd Catch Welfare Conference in Ijmuiden, The Netherlands, uniting industry, scientists, and NGOs to address fish and crustacean welfare. FIA PNG reaffirmed its commitment to advancing welfare policies in lobster and tuna fisheries by 2024, expanding to prawn and crab by 2026, aligning with growing global sustainability and ethical standards.

During a one-week MSC assessment in Papua New Guinea, FIA and NFA teams showcased strong sustainability practices in tuna and lobster fisheries. Effective fish stock management, biodiversity strategies, and digital platforms like FIMS and NEMO support transparency. Community engagement and international collaboration further strengthen impact.

In December 2022, 196 UN member governments adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, pledging urgent action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The agreement aims to reduce threats to wildlife and ecosystems, promote sustainable use of Earth’s resources, and ensure people live in harmony with nature. A key target is to protect and conserve at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030.

FIA PNG has committed to animal welfare in tuna and lobster operations, aligning with the Five Freedoms. In 2024, it launched a robust policy and strategic plan, fostering awareness, partnerships, and research. Joining the Catch Welfare Platform and recognized by Aquatic Life Institute, FIA PNG leads efforts to improve capture and slaughter practices, making tuna welfare a strategic priority for sustainability.

The Aquatic Life Institute released its Tuna Welfare Guide on February 18, 2025, offering science-based practices to improve tuna handling and reduce suffering in fisheries. This marks a shift toward integrating animal welfare into seafood sustainability. Source: Oliver McBride, The Fishing Daily, Feb 18, 2025.

The July 25, 2025 training led by RD fleet personnel emphasized ethical practices and crew welfare under the FISH Standard. Attended by 29 crew members from F/V Dolores 869, it covered ethical recruitment, fair compensation, grievance mechanisms, and ILO C188 compliance. FIA PNG oversees certification via audits, while RD ensures ongoing crew awareness and accountability across its fleet.

FIA PNG recently conducted audits in Rabaul to assess crew welfare, marine litter, and ghost gear compliance. These efforts support biodiversity, align with global sustainability standards, and help secure livelihoods. Data collected will shape better waste policies and reinforce PNG’s leadership in responsible tuna fishing

Two FIA PNG tuna companies are investing in Lae. Frabelle PNG Limited is building a cold store, creating up to 300 jobs, while Majestic Seafood will re-open, providing work for 2,000 people with government support.

Addressing Human Rights Due Diligence in Seafood Sourcing: A Discussion Panel in Boston 2025

On Nov 9 2024 FV Dolores 873 crew saved mantas FIA PNG ensures onboard practices for ETP species align with WCPFC CMM best practices

For an Audit Taking Place in 2025 relating to Marine litter and Fishing gear requirements & procedure v4.0 and Audit checklist V5.0

FIA PNG ensures compliance with WCPFC best practices for handling mantas through training, monitoring, data collection, and onboard observer

Acknowledgment to IMOS (Integrated Marine Observing System) The SPC, UNSW, NFA, and FIA teams meet with the team from Blue Catch - the...

The FIA PNG & TSP Marine workshop in GenSan (Feb 5-6, 2025) linked tuna industry partners, featuring MSC updates on global tuna markets.

FIA PNG and SPC delegation started the project in PNG training skippers and installing equipment for data collection - 2025

Brief report of the Regional Summer Academy held from November 11 - 22, 2024 at Lami Bay, Novotel Hotel Fiji

Brief report on the ISSF Skippers Workshop in General Santos, Greenleaf Hotel