The University of Southampton is leading a £3 million research project, known as WAVES (Working towards Adaptive and Versatile Environmental Sustainability), to improve the sustainability of mollusc farming in Asia — the world’s largest producer of oysters, mussels, and clams. Funded by UK Research and Innovation, the project aims to safeguard food security and protect livelihoods threatened by climate change, disease, and commercial pressures. The WAVES consortium, which includes partners from the UK, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, will study the resilience of various mollusc species to environmental changes such as rising temperatures, salinity shifts, and disease. It will also explore how diversifying species and improving hatchery quality can enhance nutrition and farming stability. According to Professor Chris Hauton, from the University of Southampton, the project will map current farming systems, identify key challenges, and provide practical tools and policy recommendations to support sustainable growth. Ultimately, the research aims to help farmers adopt more resilient practices and enable policymakers to plan strategically for the future of mollusc aquaculture in the region.

Source: https://www.worldfishing.net/aquaculture/uk-university-leads-asian-mollusc-research/1501250.article

The Ministry of Fisheries is forming advisory committees to manage five key fisheries: tuna, grouper, marlin, sea cucumber, and reef fish, under the Regulations on Planning and Management of Fisheries. Applications are now open for individuals interested in joining. Each committee will have representatives with specific roles, and members will serve a five-year term. The committees will oversee fishery management plans, provide annual reports, and offer advice on fisheries policies at national, regional, and international levels. Those in elective office or political party positions are ineligible. The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on April 10.

Source: The Edition

Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong announced that Majestic Tuna Corporation will reopen its tuna processing plant in Malahang, Lae, Morobe, by the end of the year. The plant, which has been closed since June 2023, will create over 1,000 jobs and offer new opportunities for local businesses. Wong thanked the company’s shareholders, FCF Co Ltd and Frabelle (PNG) Ltd, for their commitment to resuming operations.

This announcement follows a two-day tuna investor consultation in Singapore, which resulted in a realignment of RD Tuna Canners' operations with support from Dongwon Industries, Tri-Marine International, and FCF Co Ltd. This collaboration is aimed at strengthening RD Tuna Canners’ position in Papua New Guinea's (PNG) tuna processing sector. Wong highlighted the government's efforts to make PNG a top destination for foreign direct investment in tuna fisheries and to improve fisheries policies.

PNG, which already has six processing plants and a combined processing capacity of over 1,000 metric tonnes daily, saw a 34% increase in tuna production from 79,209 metric tonnes in 2023 to 119,232 metric tonnes in 2024, despite the Majestic Tuna closure. Wong expressed confidence that further foreign investment will continue flowing into the sector, with ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable growth. He also noted the establishment of Fisheries Capital Limited (FCL), a sector-based State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) to support joint ventures and address industry inefficiencies. Additionally, PNG is collaborating with Pacific nations on the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) to improve tuna fisheries development across the region.

Source: The Sun