Fifty-One Years of Independence — Sustaining Our Seas, Empowering Our People, Securing Our Future
As Papua New Guinea marks the 51st Anniversary of Independence, the Chairman and President, Board Members, Management, and Staff of the Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA PNG), together with our members across the fishing industry, extend our warmest wishes and congratulations to our nation and its people.
For 51 years, Papua New Guinea has carried the responsibility and privilege of building a nation blessed with extraordinary natural resources, rich marine ecosystems and resilient coastal communities. Our fisheries are an important part of that national story — supporting livelihoods, employment, food security, trade, investment and economic opportunity.
Looking Forward: A Fisheries Industry for the Next Generation
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look beyond today.
The next generation deserves a fishing industry that is responsible, sustainable, transparent,
inclusive, and internationally respected.
Our vision is for a PNG fishing industry where:
Our fisheries resources are sustainably managed for generations to come.
Papua New Guineans are empowered with skills, employment, leadership and enterprise opportunities.
Coastal communities benefit meaningfully from the value created by our marine resources.
Fishers and crew are treated with dignity, fairness and respect, with strong standards for decent working conditions and welfare.
Responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship become integral to how our industry operates.
Marine pollution and fishing-gear impacts are reduced, protecting the ocean that sustains our people and industry.
Young Papua New Guineans see fisheries as an industry of opportunity, innovation, technology, and professional careers.
Government, industry, communities and development partners work together through constructive dialogue and shared responsibility.
The ocean is more than a resource. It is a legacy entrusted to us.
What we do today will determine what remains for our children and grandchildren tomorrow.
A Commitment to Partnership
FIA PNG recognises that the future of fisheries cannot be built by one organisation alone. It requires a strong partnership between Government, industry, fishing companies, workers and crew, coastal communities, traditional leaders, development partners, markets and consumers. As an industry association, we remain committed to supporting responsible fisheries, strengthening industry standards, promoting good governance and contributing constructively to Papua New Guinea's sustainable economic development
On this 51 st Independence Anniversary, we honour those who have contributed to our nation's
journey and acknowledge the men and women who work across Papua New Guinea's fishing
industry — on the water, in our communities, at processing facilities, in ports, in businesses and
throughout the wider fisheries value chain.
Our Message to the Next Generation
May you inherit more than an industry.
May you inherit an ocean that is healthy, productive and protected.
May you inherit opportunities to lead, innovate and prosper.
And may you have the courage and responsibility to leave our fisheries better than you found
them.
From the Chairman and President-- Mr. Sylvester B. Pokajam Board Members, Management and
Staff of FIA PNG, and the wider fishing industry:
Happy 51 st Independence Anniversary, Papua New Guinea!
One Nation. One Ocean. One Sustainable Future.
Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA PNG)
For responsible fisheries. For our people. For generations to come.
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