The East New Britain Provincial Administration has acknowledged and commended the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) for its continued support towards the development of the East New Britain Fisheries Development Strategy (ENBFDS) 2025-2033.

The acknowledgement was made by Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator- Socio-Economic Services Mr. Alkan Mararang, on behalf of the East New Britain Provincial Administration and the people of the province, following the successful ENBFDS Validation Workshop held from the 11th-12th of August 2026.

Mr. Mararang expressed sincere appreciation to NFA for providing the financial support that enabled the province to successfully conduct both the Formulation and Validation Workshops.

He also recognized the valuable contribution of NFA technical officers, whose technical guidance, expertise and oversight helped ensure the strategy was thoroughly reviewed and aligned with relevant national policies and priorities.

“The development of this strategy has been strengthened through the commitment and contributions of our partners.”

“We sincerely appreciate NFA for its financial and technical support throughout this important process.”

The province also acknowledged the contributions of national government departments, state agencies, institutions, representatives of the fishing industry, non-government organizations, businesses, and individuals who participated in the validation process.

Their presentations, technical knowledge, data, and practical insights have helped strengthen the strategy and provide a broader foundation for its successful implementation.

Following the validation workshop, the East New Britain Provincial Division of Fisheries will work closely with NFA to finalize the strategy documentation and prepare it for formal adoption.

The strategy is expected to be formally commissioned in November 2026, on the margins of the East New Britain Economic Sector Bi-Annual Conference.

The commissioning will mark an important milestone for the province as it moves towards establishing a more sustainable, inclusive and commercially viable fisheries sector.

A key focus of the strategy is the proposed Rabaul Tuna Terminal, which remains one of the province’s flagship economic development initiatives.

The ENBFDS will provide an important policy framework to support the delivery of the East New Britain Initiative and help attract long-term investment while creating economic opportunities, employment and improved food security for the people of the province.

The Provincial Administration looks forward to continued collaboration with NFA as the province moves into the finalization and implementation stages of the strategy.

NFA’s continued partnership will be critical in translating the strategy into tangible outcomes and ensuring that East New Britain’s fisheries resources are sustainably managed while delivering meaningful economic and social benefits to its people.