By JASON SOM KAUT
MAJOR fishing company Frabelle-Frescomar (PNG) Ltd will expand its pump-boat fishing operations this year following expressions of interest from three other maritime provinces.
Officials from New Ireland, Manus and Sandaun recently approached Frabelle for the programme that involves local fishermen and fishing groups.
The pump-boat project was being successfully carried out in Morobe with funding support from the National Development Bank, technical skills- sharing from Frabelle and support from the provincial government.
Frabelle-Frescomar is a subsidiary of tuna canners Frabelle (PNG) Ltd.
Frabelle resident director Nestor Defensor disclosed the plan last week, saying a modified version will be introduced to the provinces.
Currently, there were 12 local fishing groups involved in the programme in Morobe with four more to be included.
Frabelle’s pump-boats originally came from the Philippines.
Plant manager Diosdado Cuanan revealed that Manus Governor Michael Sapau was expected to visit the operations in Morobe on Thursday to find out how the pump-boat project could be replicated in his area.
Frabelle is managing the programme and taking care of the loan repayments for the pump-boats from the catch of local fishing groups.
Under the programme, local fishing groups were required to catch about K7,500 worth of fish monthly to break-even in their operations.
“We have streamlined the operations and expect to make much progress this year,” Mr Cuanan said, revealing that catch volumes had increased.
The fishing groups were making two fishing trips each month bringing in an average of 2,500kg of fish.
Mr Cunanan said there was a big demand for fish products in Europe and US but more catch were needed to meet the demand.
He stressed that increasing fuel costs, port usage fees, power and water rates were having an impact on their operations.
“Even container fees have risen and we don’t know how long we can maintain current prices before jacking it up,” Mr Cuanan said.
He said Government must address the problem as tinned-fish prices may need to be increased.
The Philippine company was into second phase of its operations and was looking at employing another 200 people when it increased production this year.