The department is helping strengthen fisheries compliance across our region through a Fisheries Officer Exchange between Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste.
Held from 25 May to 5 June, the exchange was supported under the department’s Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and Promoting Sustainable Fisheries in Southeast Asia program.
The initiative brought together four fisheries officers from Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry and fisheries experts from Papua New Guinea’s National Fisheries Authority.
Participants visited Port Moresby, Lae and Rabaul, to learn how Papua New Guinea manages its fisheries. They gained hands-on experience across compliance, monitoring and enforcement activities.
Participants observed port inspections, vessel monitoring systems, catch documentation and fisheries compliance activities. Participants also learned how Papua New Guinea uses an integrated monitoring system to manage fisheries, linking vessel monitoring systems, observer programs, compliance and enforcement, licensing and fisheries data.
“This exchange demonstrates the value of regional cooperation in addressing common fisheries challenges. By working together and learning from one another, we can improve compliance, strengthen fisheries management and enhance efforts to combat illegal fishing across the region,” George Day, Assistant Secretary, Fisheries and Aquaculture Branch said.
The exchange provided participants with a practical understanding of how the Agreement on Port State Measures helps prevent illegally caught fish from entering international markets. Participants also explored how audit and certification processes improve fisheries traceability and help countries meet international fisheries requirements.
Pedro Antero Maria Rodrigues, a Senior Technical Officer from Timor-Leste who participated in the exchange, said: “This exchange was a valuable learning experience. The knowledge and practical insights we gained will help strengthen fisheries management in Timor-Leste and support our future work.”
The activity helped strengthen professional networks, knowledge sharing and collaboration in fisheries management. Australia supports cooperation with Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and other countries as a participating country in the Regional Plan of Action to Promote Responsible Fishing Practices including Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in the Region (RPOA-IUU).
Glenda Barry, Manager - Compliance & Enforcement of Papua New Guinea’s National Fisheries Authority, said: “It was a pleasure to host our Timor-Leste colleagues and share the practical work undertaken every day by fisheries officers across Papua New Guinea.
“This exchange strengthened collaboration between Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste and provided a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing and learning. We thank Australia’s Combating IUU Fishing and Promoting Sustainable Fisheries in Southeast Asia program for making this exchange possible.”
Fisheries Officer Exchanges are an important part of the department’s work to support sustainable fisheries through capacity building to address IUU fishing. Practical learning opportunities designed in partnership with Southeast Asian countries, are helping to protect marine resources and promote sustainable fisheries that support communities and economies across the region.
