by Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Fisheries and Marine Resources Ministers of PNG and Indonesia yesterday signed a joint communique to combat illegal and unregulated fishing in the waters of both countries.
Ministers Mao Zeming of PNG and Ibu Susi Pudjiastuti of Indonesia signed the communique in Manado, Indonesia, where the first regional workshop on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is being held.
Minister Zeming welcomed the commitment of the government of Indonesia to work with PNG to address this global problem.
“Our government sees fisheries as a key driver of sustainable economic growth into the future, and will work closely with Indonesia and other countries in the regional to eliminate illegal fishing and unsustainable practices,” Zeming said.
“We have a common land and sea border, so we need to have a robust collaborative effort in countering illegal fishing and other common border issues and transnational crimes.”
Minister Susi said citizens of both Indonesia and PNG suffer from illegal fishing.
“Not only does our economy suffer through loss of revenue, illegal fishing opens doors to other crimes and human rights violations,” Susi said.
It is estimated that at least US$23.5 billion annually is lost to illegal fishing, money that should supporting economic growth and improving lives of people in countries like PNG and Indonesia.
