PNG WATERS NOT FOR ILLEGAL FISHING; PM WARNED
Prime Minister James Marape has sternly warned illegal fishing vessels entering the PNG waters to fish.
In saying this, PM Marape affirmed PNG fisheries sector and the government has step up with surveillance, technology, with the alliances and security partners Australia, USA, to protect PNG waters from not only illegal fishing, but also illegal trade, drug smuggling and people smuggling.
He says, PNG is not a run down democracy but a vibrant democracy, with functional security forces Defence Force and Police.
The government through the Fisheries Ministry, and National Fisheries Authority has invested in security and surveillance to monitor and protect PNG waters from Illegal, Unreported, Unauthorised fishing.
PM Marape says, the surveillance system inbuit is amongst the latest on par with the best in the world and through the use of satellite technology, it will enable the capability to monitor illegal fishing in PNG.
He says, interested investors in fisheries, must come through the normal process with genuine funds for investment to be permitted to invest not only in fisheries but in other sustainable resources as well. There is no more time for illegal fishing.
The Prime Minister made these remarks during the recent opening of the new National Fisheties Authority Operations Control and Surveillance Command Centre in Daru.
