PNG hosts High Seas Boarding and Inspection Training to Strengthen Fisheries Surveillance

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) continues to strengthen regional fisheries enforcement by supporting High Seas Boarding and Inspection (HSBI) of fishing vessel, to ensure compliance with conservation and management measures under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).

The HSBI training was held for 40 officers from the National Fisheries Authority and Defence Force from 21 – 25 July 2025 in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. The week-long training covered theory and practical vessel inspection exercises at Rabaul Port, with practical vessel inspection exercises, focusing on strengthening capacity to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal Unreported Unregulated (IUU) Fishing.

In his opening remarks, PNG National Fisheries Authority Surveillance Team Leader, Emil Sihono said, “The Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) management recognises the vital role this training play and encourages a week of active engagement both in theory and practical demonstrations led by our experienced trainers.”

He added, “This year’s training brings together 2nd PNG Guardian Class Patrol Boat (GCPB) crew and Fisheries Officers from across different Units. We are here not only to strengthen our operational coverage in the High Seas, but to build teamwork and unity across our MCS regimes and important stakeholders as the PNG Defence Force Maritime Element and the Fishing Industry”.

This training aimed to strengthen the capacity of national compliance and enforcement officers by:

• Enhancing knowledge and skills for conducting compliance inspections of fishing vessels in the Western Central Pacific Ocean;
• Understand the legal and operational procedures for High Seas Boarding and Inspection and improving planning and preparation for surveillance and enforcement actions;
• Increasing awareness of compliance monitoring methods and updates in the high sea’s fishery;
• Building confidence in reporting procedures on high seas inspections and appropriate responses to non-compliance;
• Understand updates and relevance of the high seas fishing in the Western Central Pacific Ocean and awareness of methods to monitor compliance with Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs);
• Demonstrate effective high seas surveillance planning, vessel boarding and inspection in a practical context.

PNG Defence Force Director of Maritime Operations, Commander Sebastian Maru added, “This training marks a significant milestone, as we witness the initiation of the HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap and a new batch of PNG officers ready for duties beyond our borders. It reflects our growing leadership and commitment to enhancing surveillance operations and regional cooperation on the High Seas.

Delivered in partnership with the PNG NFA, PNG Defence Force, New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the training highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and professional development.

The FFA Secretariat also provided Boarding Officer Resource Aid to support PNG officers in conducting safe and effective inspections.

This important initiative was made possible with support from FFA through the World Bank-funded PROPER Project, the Government of PNG, and all partners who contributed to its success.

RABAUL, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, 29 JULY 2025

Media Contacts: Emily V. Moli FFA Communications Manager e: [email protected] Ernest Ta'asi FFA Communications Officer e: ernest.ta’[email protected] Priscilla Ragu FFA Communications Officer e: [email protected]

About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int