PNG National Fisheries Authority concerned with seabed mining

EMTV / PACNEWS

The National Fisheries Authority in Papua New Guinea has again expressed its concerns over seabed mining in the country.

And its concerns is based on the unavailability of proper legislation in the country, said Managing Director of NFA Sylvester Pokajam.

Rather more awareness should be carried out to educate the people on the impacts of the project, Pokajam told EMTV News.

The controversial seabed mining Solwara one project to be carried out by Nautilus Minerals has been approved by the government. But it has generated a lot of debate from concerned Papua New Guineans and organizations.

Many of the concerns are based on the fact, that Papua New Guinea will be the first country in the world to experiment with this project, without any proper laws governing its operation.

The potential impacts on marine life are said to be minimal, but that has not stopped the National Fisheries authority to query the project.

Pokajam hinted possible risks to the growing fisheries sector with the onset of the project, and wants proper feasibility and environmental assessment carried out to ascertain the benefits of the project.

Commercial Manager to Parties to the Nauru Agreement Maurice Brownjohn said it will become a growing problem to regional fisheries if no proper awareness is carried out.

He said, environmental aspects may be small but perception will be the biggest problem because of misunderstanding.

The issue of sustainable fisheries will one of the key issues discussed in the Pacific Tuna forum, and seabed mining will be highlighted.