FIA PNG MSC Tuna Fishery Recertification and MSC Lobster Fishery Surveillance Year 2
- Christian Demien Culanag
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
During a one-week on-site assessment of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) tuna and lobster fisheries in Papua New Guinea, the joint effort of NFA and FIA PNG MSC teams demonstrated that both fisheries are adhering to robust sustainability practices aligned with MSC certification requirements. We showed effective management of fish stocks and a strong implementation of a Biodiversity strategy that highlights measures in place to minimise bycatch and protect endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species, contributing to the conservation of marine biodiversity. Our members—including fishermen, divers, and operators of tuna and lobster fisheries—showed a strong commitment to complying with the standards of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and MSC. This reflects a collective effort towards sustainable fishing practices.
The NFA has played a crucial role in ongoing monitoring programs, which are evident, ensuring that ecological impacts are regularly assessed and addressed, fostering a proactive approach to environmental stewardship. Both digital platforms, FIMS (Tuna) and NEMO (Lobster), support reliable data collection and reporting systems, improving transparency and accountability in fishery operations and facilitating better decision-making.
NFA and FIA PNG have cultivated a culture of continuous improvement, with stakeholders regularly seeking ways to enhance sustainability efforts and adapt practices based on assessment findings; they actively engage with local communities and stakeholders, promoting awareness and participation in sustainable fishing initiatives. This not only strengthens local economies but also supports livelihoods.
The one-week assessment highlighted the positive contribution of MSC-certified tuna and lobster fisheries in Papua New Guinea towards sustainable management, biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and economic resilience.
We also acknowledged the strong support from other Fisheries Authorities in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Australia, who joined us during the assessments.
“The MSC certification is improving market access and demand for
sustainably sourced tuna and lobster, positively impacting the
economic outlook of the PNG fishery sector” – FIA PNG Chairman & President,
Sylvester Pokajam
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