NFA, province sign agreement

 AN agreement was signed between the National Fisheries Authority and the East New Britain provincial government for fisheries development and management in the province.

Under the memorandum of agreement, the parties would conserve, manage and develop sustainable use of fisheries in coastal waters.

Both the authority and the provincial government will conduct these tasks and any conflict in the application of law and in the management and development of coastal fisheries.

It is understood that NFA, from time to time, will implement donor-funded projects while the provincial government will assist in the implementation of the projects.

The authority will provide provincial fisheries officers, certain equipment and funding and payment for duties and responsibilities. 

In consultation with the NFA, the provincial government will establish a staffing structure for fisheries officers with the necessary capacity and resources to administer the delegated roles to implement the relevant projects in East New Britain.

The provincial government will consult NFA for the implementation, management and control of fishing vessels less than 10 metres in length to fish in coastal waters, estuarine, river system and lakes.