The Fore Coast Artisanal Fisheries Management Plan and its by-law, the Fore Coast Kiwai Local-level Government Law on the Management of Marine Environment and Artisanal Fisheries, have come into operation after the completion of a socialisation process. The socialisation took place from 3 May to 24 August 2024, across 14 villages, starting in Sui Village in the east and concluding in Bula Village, near the Papua New Guinea-Indonesia border. This initiative aimed to inform the communities of key management measures and legal provisions, focusing on promoting sustainable fishing practices.
The socialisation process, though initially delayed by logistical challenges and bad weather, saw active participation from the communities, particularly the fisherfolk. They engaged in meaningful discussions, asking questions and seeking clarifications on difficult terms to fully grasp the management plan. However, while there is recognition of the plan’s importance, some fisherfolk highlighted the need for practical solutions to adapt to the new rules.
Kamgo Bunai, the ward recorder from Tais Village, expressed optimism about the management plan’s potential to protect South Fly District’s ecosystem and fisheries. He emphasised that the community must refrain from engaging in small-scale Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and respect local fishing grounds under the new law. This plan provides legal tools for communities to report illegal activities, including IUU fishing in another’s fishing grounds, which can be prosecuted through existing village courts, with penalties for violations. The plan’s success hinges on active community participation, with all communities and fisherfolk tasked with monitoring and reporting illegal activities.
Local leaders, such as Sali Nama from Sigabaduru Village, emphasised the need for continuous capacity-building efforts, particularly targeting youth and illiterate community members. Plans to establish community-based Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) teams under the Ward Development Community Arrangements are in development to strengthen local enforcement. These teams would play a vital role in monitoring daily fishing activities and ensuring compliance with the new regulations.
One persistent issue is the influence of cross-border traders, who often engage in illegal activities, including the distribution of unregulated fishing gear and other unlawful practices. While currently manageable, these traders pose a significant challenge to the sustainable management of local fisheries. Efforts to control these activities are ongoing, but additional training and resources are needed to fully enforce the laws at the community level.
Despite these challenges, the community remains optimistic, with leaders like Kebei Sale from Sigabaduru Village expressed appreciation for the ATSEA-2 Project’s efforts in addressing fishing rights and safeguarding coastal communities’ customary fishing areas.
Looking forward, the next steps in implementing the management plan will involve providing more training and awareness to local fisherfolk, ensuring their decisions align with the principles of good governance and resource management outlined in the law.
By Joe Kiningi