Minister says El Nino poses threat to tuna industry, inland fishing
Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong says El Niño significantly affects our marine resources, particularly the tuna industry and inland fish farming activities.
Mr Wong said the phenomenon often leads to warmer ocean temperatures, which can alter tuna migration patterns, impacting local fisheries and export opportunities.
“Additionally, it disrupts nutrient upwelling, affecting the overall marine ecosystem and potentially leading to reduced tuna catches that are critical for our economy and food security,” he said. “Inland fish farming also faces challenges, as El Niño can cause droughts that affect water levels in rivers and lakes essential for fish farming. This may result in lower fish stocks and increased operational costs, while fluctuations in climate can impact the agriculture sector, affecting the availability of fish feed and raising production costs for farmers.”Mr Wong said the stricter European Union standards on tuna trade presented both challenges and opportunities for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.
He said suppliers will need to invest in meeting these stringent standards, which could lead to higher operational costs, especially for smaller suppliers.
“However, compliance may also open doors to lucrative markets, increasing exports and benefiting our economy. Furthermore, these standards encourage sustainable fishing practices, essential for the long-term viability of our tuna resources. “In conclusion, while El Niño poses challenges to our tuna industry and inland fish farming, it underscores the need for adaptive management.
“At the same time, the EU standards provide an opportunity for our suppliers to align with global sustainability goals, ensuring that our fisheries remain productive for future generations,” Mr Wong said.
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