𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝟮𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗝𝗼𝗯𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗲-𝗥𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Port Moresby, Thursday 16th October 2025 — The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has announced that Papua New Guinea’s fisheries sector has created at least 20,000 jobs, with 12,000 of these linked directly to the tuna industry.

NFA Managing Director Justin Ilakini highlighted this achievement as part of the ongoing expansion of PNG’s fisheries and marine resources sector — one of the country’s fastest-growing industries.

Ilakini said the industry continues to show strong potential for job creation and export growth. He revealed that annual revenue from tuna has now reached K6 million, a significant increase from just K500,000 a few years ago, largely due to the success of the Vessel Day Scheme.

“Right now, we are rent collectors,” Ilakini explained. “We have made a submission for a new entity, which is currently before the State Solicitor’s Office for Cabinet and Parliamentary approval. Once the authorisation bill is passed, the NFA will be able to actively engage in the commercial space.”

Ilakini also addressed concerns over illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, noting that PNG and its regional partners have made substantial progress in combating such activities. He said the NFA is strengthening its surveillance and monitoring systems, including the acquisition of four new patrol vessels to safeguard PNG’s rich maritime zones.

This milestone reflects the Marape-Rosso Government’s commitment to creating sustainable employment and driving inclusive economic growth through key productive sectors such as fisheries.

A government spokesperson commended the NFA, saying:

“Well done to the NFA for this milestone achievement that is helping to create real employment for our graduates and workers across the country.”

This is your Pangu-led Marape-Rosso Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape, delivering real progress, building jobs, strengthening industries, and transforming Papua New Guinea’s economy for the betterment of our people and our nation.