PNG to transit from Coastal state to Fishing State: Maru

The Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru has described PNG's position in the fisheries sector over the past 50 years as a 'coastal state' not a 'fishing state'.

"We are yet to change our status to be recognized as a Fishing State. Coastal states have jurisdiction over the waters adjacent to their coastlines, usually up to a certain distance known as the Exclusive Economic Zone [EEZ] where they have special rights regarding fishing, mineral exploration and other economic activities.

“These states play a significant role in regulating fishing activities, conservation efforts and resource management within maritime boundaries.

“In the context of the fishing industry, a fishing state is one that heavily relies on and actively participates in fishing activities. It's also used to describe a nation whose economy, culture, and livelihood are tied to fishing and exploitation of marine resources.

“Fishing states often have large fishing fleets, extensive coastline waters and a strong presence in international fisheries management organizations,” Maru said.

A recent National Executive Council decision will now allow for a joint venture with RD Tuna Corporation by using their facilities while at the same time establishing their own cannery on the 250 hectares of state land in the Pacific Maritime Industrial Zone [PMIZ].

"Now this is the beginning of PNG transition from being a coastal state to a fishing state," Maru said.

Over the past 50 years 80% of tuna catches within the Pacific Ocean had been processed offshore and this had cost PNG over 50,000 jobs.

Minister Maru said the 50,000 jobs could have been created within the fishing industry if all catches were processed onshore.

The PNG government has earned a net revenue of K300 million a year [after discounts and rebates from the license fish] when there was a huge possibility of earning K5 billion in revenue.