PAPUA NEW GUINEA SMALL-SCALE FISHERIES attended FISH FOR FUTUREFORUM 2025 and the China Fisheries & Seafood EXPO 2025
- FIA-PNG
- 17 hours ago
- 1 min read
Our Chief Operating Officer, Marcelo Hidalgo, highlighted the significant impact of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) fishery certification on the tuna fishery and discussed how this successful model can be scaled to other small-scale fisheries (SSF) in Papua New Guinea.
During the FISH FOR FUTURE FORUM 2025, organised by MSC China, he presented five years' worth of impacts related to biodiversity, bycatch practices, local labour, scientific development, stakeholder engagement, sustainable development goals, fisheries transparency, and the growth of tuna catches.
Marcelo also emphasized the progress of PNG's small-scale fisheries towards achieving sustainable certification. Remarkably, in 2023, Daru Lobster earned MSC recognition, being the first SSF to obtain this recognition in the Pacific Region dominated by Tuna fisheries, and it was announced that the Gulf of Papua Prawn will undergo a full assessment. This showcases PNG's leadership in the Pacific regarding sustainable certification, which facilitates global seafood access by creating market incentives for responsible fishing through the MSC's certification and eco-labelling programs.
After attending the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo 2025 in Qingdao, Marcelo established valuable contacts and business partnerships for PNG's small-scale fisheries products for the coming years. This effort is pivotal in increasing consumer trust and demand, making it easier for certified PNG small-scale fisheries operators (such as lobsters and prawns) to sell their products
“While we acknowledge the challenges ahead, we are committed to embracing them” Marcelo Hidalgo, COO of FIA PNG.
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