Overview
The Division of Fisheries and Marine Resources (FMR) was established under the West New Britain Provincial Government to regulate the implementation of specific Fisheries Acts, Legislation, Policies, and related legally binding documents with careful consideration of the needs of the vast population of WNB. These key regulatory frameworks include the Fisheries Management Act 1998, the Fauna Protection and Control Act 1966, and the National Maritime Zones Act 2015, which collectively provide the legal foundation for sustainable fisheries management and marine resource conservation in the province.
The Division’s primary role is to coordinate training programs and provide technical advice and support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local fishermen across Provincial, District, and Local-Level Government (LLG) areas. By doing so, it ensures fisheries development initiatives are effectively implemented in compliance with national legislation while promoting sustainable use of marine resources that benefit communities throughout West New Britain.
Core Functions
The key functions of the Division of Fisheries & Marine Resource (FMR) are extended to the 3 Districts and 12 Local Level Governments within the province. The functions include:
- Fisheries & Marine Development
- Monitoring, Compliance & Surveillance
- Training for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SME) and Local Fishermen
- Investment Facilitation and Public-Private Partnership
- Coordination and Oversight of Fisheries & Marine Development Initiatives
Key Responsibilities
The Division is responsible for:
- Implementing fisheries related Acts, Legislations, Policies and related legally binding documents with close liaison with National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and Partner organizations both vertically and horizontally.
- Surveillance and enforcement of programs to ensure that holders of fishing and harvesting licenses, both domestic and foreign, understand and comply with the terms and conditions of their licenses.
- Implementation of targeted fisheries projects, sustainable resource management including monitoring, control, and surveillance activities, systematic data collection, compilation, and dissemination, and the strategic identification and engagement of fisheries development partners to support long-term growth and sustainability of the sector.
- Conduct various fisheries trainings to fisheries SMEs and fishermen.
- Facilitate environmentally sustainable aquaculture for subsistence purposes.
- Work with Communities to establish marine conservation areas where appropriate.
- Strengthening dialogue and partnership with Stakeholders and Development Partners for fisheries investment programs and projects.
- Providing linkage and pathways for marketing fisheries and marine products.
Programs & Services
The Division of Fisheries & Marine Resources delivers the following programs and services:
- Fisheries & Marine Resource Management
Provide overall leadership and management of fisheries and marine activities across the province. The Management ensures the formulation of a strategic plan in alignment with the Provincial and National development frameworks. It’s also responsible for strengthening collaboration with Stakeholders and Development Partners for development initiatives in the province.
- Fisheries Development
This program covers promotion and support to development and commercialization of community fisheries by providing information and advice in areas such as business management, markets, and fisheries resources, and access to donor or other development funding. It also conducts surveillance and monitoring on both small-scale and large-scale fisheries activities to ensure sustainable practices and compliance.
- Marine Resources Development
This program covers promotion and support to the development of marine products by providing information and advice in areas such as business management, markets, and access to donor or other development funding. It also conducts surveillance and monitoring on marine activities to ensure sustainable practices and compliance.
- Training for Local Fisherman
Provide training on modern methods of fisheries and marine activities with business concept.
- District Fisheries and Marine Coordination
This program is established across the three Provincial Districts with a focus on coordinating fisheries and marine activities at the district level. It supports LLGs’ functional and extension officers in implementing key fisheries and marine activities that encourage inclusive participation and marketing.
- Talasea District Fisheries and Marine Coordination
- Nakanai District Fisheries and Marine Coordination
- Kandrian Gloucester District Fisheries and Marine Coordination
- LLG Fisheries Extension Program
This program is established across the 12 Local Level Governments under the three Districts to provide extensive services for small scale and subsistence fisheries at the LLG level.
Structure & Leadership
The division is headed by the Executive Manager, who oversees PHQ, DHQ & LLG officers for specific functional areas:
- General Office Management and Administration
- Fisheries Development
- Marine Development
- District Coordination
- LLG Extension Services
Strategic Focus
The Division of Fisheries & Marine Resources is committed to:
- Sustainable Fisheries and Marine Resource Management and Equitable Distribution
- Fishing Community Development and Poverty Reduction.
- Market Infrastructure Development
- Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Development for subsistence and commercial use
Contact Information
For enquiries related to this division, please contact:
Division: Fisheries & Marine Resources
Phone: 983 5853
Email: newell.sinaigawi@wnb.gov.pg
Location: Kimbe-Provincial Headquarters