Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong, has underscored the urgent need for enhanced surveillance across the Pacific’s fishing areas due to inadequate monitoring capabilities. His comments came during a media conference at the Pacific Tuna Forum in Nadi, where he responded to questions about the forum’s future plans that may include Malaysia, Indonesia, and China in a joint fishing surveillance effort to combat illegal fishing activities.
Wong noted, “We find ways to mitigate the use of illegal fishing, because between countries, bilaterals are made, and then some of these countries that you mentioned may have done illegal fishing.” He stressed that the issue extends across the entire Pacific region, explaining that while the area has the largest expanse of ocean, it lacks the necessary surveillance to monitor it effectively. “They come like thieves in the night,” he lamented, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by Pacific nations.
To address these concerns, Wong mentioned Papua New Guinea’s collaboration with foreign fisheries agencies to explore advanced surveillance programs. He called for individual Pacific Island nations to reform their legal frameworks to impose maximum penalties for illegal fishing, suggesting the establishment of a unique regional force dedicated to monitoring the ocean.
The conversation around illegal fishing is compounded by the challenge of unreported fishing, where licensed operations do not always reflect the actual catch. Wong expressed frustration at the loopholes that allow vessels to evade regulations, stating, “They can do offshore processing… We want to see all our fish that are going out,” as part of a push for transparency.
Looking forward, Wong expressed hope that by fostering regional cooperation and collective action, Pacific nations can bring about substantial changes in fisheries management. His vision includes a future where all fishing vessels operating in the Pacific are owned and operated by Pacific Island nations, reducing reliance on external entities and addressing unemployment in the region.
This commitment to collaborative action mirrors recent discussions at the Honiara Summit on Sustainable Fisheries, where Pacific leaders, including Prime Minister James Marape, emphasized the need for immediate international efforts to combat illegal fishing. The summit aims to highlight sustainable practices while fostering partnerships among Pacific nations and international stakeholders.
Overall, the ongoing efforts by Papua New Guinea and its partners hold promise for creating a more sustainable and resilient fisheries sector across the Pacific, fostering ecological integrity while supporting local economies. The shared aspirations for improved cooperation and surveillance initiatives shine a hopeful light on the path towards better management of marine resources in the region.
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