Highlighting both the significant economic potential of seabed minerals and the accompanying environmental consequences for ocean health and future generations, Dr. Transform Aqoraua, prominent expert in the Pacific Tuna industry, addressed attendees at the Fiji National University in Suva last week. He highlighted that the current regional architecture used for tuna management does not adequately address deep seabed mining. Therefore, Dr. Aqorau stressed the necessity of establishing a proper framework for seabed mining development, with a focus on environmental preservation and social equity. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of exercising caution and conducting thorough scientific research before proceeding with any deep-sea mining operations, given the uncertainties surrounding their potential impacts.

Source: Island Business

Highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing the Blue Economy as a means of maintaining food security, Dr Jeffrey emphasized the extensive potential of the Blue Economy across different sectors, such as enriching fish resources, boosting processing activities, producing downstream products, and expanding marketing areas.

Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry for Sabah, emphasized this during his visit to Sabah Fish Marketing Sdn Bhd (SAFMA), where he stressed, the importance of SAFMA prioritizing and capitalizing on various opportunities under the Blue Economy initiatives. Such initiatives included focusing on ocean fishery activities categorized as C2 and C3, as well as exploring joint ventures with potential investors. In addition, it was timely to review plans for the development and upgrading of facilities, such as ports or integrated fish landing complexes that support blue economy joint venture arrangements.

Source: Bernama, Malaysia

Justin Ilakini, Managing Director of the National Fisheries Authority of Papua New Guinea, provided an update on the K105 million project initiated in January 2022 aimed at developing the Voco Point coastal fisheries hub in Lae. He said that the project, which had experienced a two-year delay due to funding issues, will now be resumed back this year.

While outlining the project phases to establish a coastal fisheries hub for products from Morobe and its surrounding provinces with inland fisheries, aquaculture and coastal fisheries, he emphasized the hub's role in enhancing the mobilization of seafood volume and supply within the region to promote healthier nutrition intake.

This initiative aligns with the suggestions of Lae MP John Rosso to address the needs of the community, meet NFA requirements, and establish key offshore processing infrastructures.

Source: https://www.thenational.com.pg/fisheries-hub-to-be-built/