Reforms vital for fisheries sector: Wong

By DALE LUMA
FISHERIES and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong says fishery catches in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) averages 150,000 to 200,000 metric tonnes per year.
“But it is estimated that a much higher annual catch can be achieved, up to 300,000 metric tonnes,” he added.
Opening the 36th Infofish Government Council Meeting yesterday in Port Moresby, Wong said PNG had a large EEZ of about two and a half million sqkm and a coastline of about 17,000km.
“A review of the current policies and structural requirements outlined through the Fisheries Strategic Plan will see the implementation of major reforms within the country’s fisheries sector, starting with the institutional reform,” he said.
Infofish director Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy said: “This meeting is held regularly every year to discuss the progress of Infofish member countries.
“Usually, we plan what is going to be done for the member countries.
“For this meeting, we will be discussing the plans and activities for 2023.
“We are just coming out the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the borders are being opened, thus, we are hoping to have more activities, such as training programmes for Papua New Guinea (PNG).
“All the proposed activities in the work programme will revolve around the needs of the member countries.
“So, particularly for PNG, we will be looking at value added training on how to prepare the products either for exports or for the local market.”