FIA PNG attended the 2nd Stakeholder Consultation to review the Shark Longline Fishery Management Plan organised by the National Fisheries Authority – NFA

From 16 to 17 July, the NFA organised the 2nd Stakeholder Consultation to review the Shark Plan; our Executive Secretary and Sustainability and MSC coordinator attended on behalf of the FIA PNG to share our experience in good practices.

The NFA recognised that the shark fishery presents potential opportunities; however, it remains highly sensitive given ongoing international and regional concerns regarding the status of several shark species associated with longline

fisheries.

The initial Shark fishery plan was launched and gazetted in 2002. The Plan is specific to shark longlining involving the use of freezer vessels, which is the method currently used in the directed shark fishery, but recognises that other fisheries targeting sharks may come under the jurisdiction of the Plan if and when they develop it.  The  Plan allows for the fishery to be gradually phased down to a sustainable level using a formula of two vessels being withdrawn after the first year from the gazettal date of this plan.

The initial objectives in 2002 were:

1. To apply a precautionary approach to the management of the shark fishery, ensuring the harvest of shark resources is sustainable and that shark fishing has minimal impact on the marine ecosystem.  

2. To ensure that there are benefits to  Papua  New  Guinea from the sustainable use of its shark resource. 

3. To ensure that the utilisation of the shark resource does not have negative impacts on coastal communities.

The purpose of the consultation in 2026 aims to assess, review and update the following:

• Present the key amendments made since the 1^st stakeholder consultation

• Discuss the outstanding policy and technical issues

• Obtain NFA’s feedback on the proposed amendments 

• Reach broad agreement on the preferred management approach

• Strengthen the Shark Longline Fishery Management Plan before finalisation

Important stakeholders who participated in the consultation included representatives from the scientific sector, such as SPC and FFA; from the conservation sector, such as CEPA; our Fisheries authority, NFA; and the private sector, represented by United Seafoods, Coco Limited, and FIA PNG.

Nialangis also presented the progress achieved by the FIA PNG tuna purse seiner fleet on the bycatch mitigation strategy plan, which includes an explanation of our incentive model, continuous training on ETP best practices for handling ETP for our members, crew, and captains, as well as coordinating this activity with the NFA observer program.

We, the Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA PNG), appreciate the opportunity to participate in the 2nd Stakeholder Consultation to review the Shark Longline Fishery Management Plan, organised by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA). This consultation has been instrumental in fostering collaborative dialogue among key stakeholders, ensuring that diverse perspectives are incorporated into the management framework.

FIA PNG acknowledges the importance of sustainable fishing practices to safeguard shark populations while supporting the livelihoods of fishers and related communities. We commend NFA for its proactive approach in engaging stakeholders and promoting transparent, science-based management strategies.

Moving forward, FIA PNG remains committed to working closely with NFA and all stakeholders to implement effective measures that balance conservation objectives with economic viability. We look forward to continued collaboration to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the Shark Longline Fishery in Papua New Guinea.