FIA PNG Champions Low-Carbon Pathways and Operational Efficiency at 19th INFOFISH World Tuna Conference

Photo Courtesy of FIA-PNG: Mr. Marcelo Hidalgo, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of FIA PNG.

BANGKOK, Thailand — Sept. 15, 2026 — The Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA PNG) took center stage at the 19^th INFOFISH World Tuna Trade Conference & Exhibition, held September 14–16 at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok.

Addressing global industry leaders, policymakers, and seafood-sector stakeholders, FIA PNG Chief Operating Officer Mr. Marcelo Hidalgo presented during Session 5: Innovation, Technology & AI Across the Tuna Value Chain.

Pioneering Operational Decarbonization

In his presentation, “Improving Fishing Efficiency and Reducing CO₂ Emissions: Operational Pathways for Lower-Carbon Tuna Fisheries,” Mr. Hidalgo explored the urgent need for commercial pelagic fleets to balance economic productivity with meaningful climate action.

Aligned with the conference theme, “Strengthening Value Chain Synergies, Blue Economy and Sustainability Across the Global Tuna Industry,” he outlined practical and scalable strategies being implemented across Papua New Guinea’s tuna fleet to reduce emissions, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen responsible ocean stewardship.

Key Takeaways and Strategic Priorities

• Fuel and Energy Optimization: Using intelligent route planning and optimized search patterns to reduce fuel consumption during purse-seine fishing operations.

• Smart Monitoring and Technology Integration: Deploying onboard telemetry systems to measure, analyze, and systematically reduce carbon emissions.

• Blue Economy Leadership: Demonstrating that greater harvesting efficiency and effective ocean conservation can work together across the Western and Central Pacific fisheries.

• Transparent Value Chains: Providing international partners with reliable and verifiable climate-performance data from ocean to market.

  
  

Collaborative Leadership on the Global Stage

Photo Courtesy of FIA PNG (L-R): Mr. Jorge Perez-Bouzada (Director of Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Instruments), Mr. Pedro Vigil (CCO, Satlink), Mr. Marcelo Hidalgo (COO, FIA PNG), and Mr. Henk Brus (CEO, Pacifical).

Following his presentation, Mr. Hidalgo joined an expert panel moderated by Mr. Henk Brus, CEO of Pacifical. The panel also featured Mr. Jorge Perez-Bouzada, Director of Sustainable Fisheries at Marine Instruments, and Mr. Pedro Vigil, Chief Commercial Officer of Satlink.

The discussion highlighted the growing role of AI-powered systems, digital traceability, and smart inspection technologies in improving efficiency, transparency, and resilience across the global tuna industry.

Through its participation in the conference and its continued implementation of climate-smart fishing practices, FIA PNG reaffirms its commitment to advancing sustainability standards across the Pacific and contributing to the development of responsible, lower-carbon fisheries worldwide.