ABG & NFA sign MoU to strengthen Bougainville’s fisheries sector
The Autonomous Bougainville Government and the National Fisheries Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on institutional strengthening and capacity building of Bougainville’s Fisheries and Marine Resources sector.
The MoU signing took place last week in Port Moresby on the sidelines of the Ocean Summit, and was signed by the ABG Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Amanda Masono and National Minister for Fisheries, Hon. Jelta Wong.
ABG Minister for Fisheries described the partnership as a blueprint for Bougainville’s self-reliance and maritime stewardship.
“It reflects our shared commitment to build a fisheries sector that delivers not only revenue, but dignity, jobs, and governance credibility for our people,” she said.
Minister Masono in her remaks, stated that the ABG in late 2025, had created the Department of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Climate Change ‘to take full responsibility for fisheries development in Bougainville’, with the long term aim to establish the Bougainville Fisheries Authority.
She added that the revised MoU now strengthens the cooperation framework between ABG and NFA.
“It commits both parties to institutional strengthening, capacity building, legislative development, monitoring, compliance and surveillance enhancement, and joint fisheries development planning, as outlined in the MoU’s objectives and cooperation framework, she said.
“It ensures that Bougainville can progressively operationalise its fisheries powers and build the systems, skills, and institutions required for responsible management and sustainable development.”
Minister Masono acknowledged the NFA Minister, Managing Director and their team for finally concluding the long-overdue MOU, adding that their commitment reflected genuine national partnership and respect for Bougainville’s development pathway.
[ Back to News ]
