EU-STREIT PNG Programme Strengthens Fisheries Sector and Empowers Local Communities in Papua New Guinea.
This time the Programme successfully distributed critical resources to over 13,000 fisher folks in the greater Sepik region, empowering local communities and enhancing their livelihoods through sustainable fisheries development.
The initiative, which involved the delivery of 50 engine-powered boats and 200 durable fishing canoes to 91 fisher groups, is set to improve fish catch, boost income opportunities, and contribute to food and nutrition security for coastal, island, and riverine communities in the region.
The EU-STREIT PNG Programme equipped coastal and island fisher groups with 23-foot craft boats, each powered by a 40 HP outboard engine, along with essential fishing and safety equipment. Riverine communities along the Sepik River received between one and five durable plastic canoes, depending on group size, designed to withstand various water conditions.
In addition to the boats and canoes, the Programme provided crucial accessories, including fish baskets, 200 and 800-litre cooler boxes, and solar kits to improve fish storage and processing.
“These communities rely heavily on fishing for their livelihoods, and many of them are located in hard-to-reach areas,” said Mr. Mohammed Zakir Hossain, Fisheries Officer for the Programme. “This support will directly enhance their ability to catch more fish, both for household consumption and for sale, ultimately improving their quality of life.”
Mr. Job Opu, the Programme’s National Fisheries Value Chain Officer, emphasized the added value of the boats and canoes for transportation. “These resources are not only vital for fishing but also for delivering fresh and processed fish to markets, which will open up new economic opportunities for local communities.”
A key focus of the initiative was empowering women, many of whom play an essential but often under-recognized role in the fisheries value chain. Among the beneficiaries were 57 mothers from the Kararau Cooperative Society Group in East Sepik, who received two canoes. Women’s spokesperson Ms. Ruth Kami expressed her gratitude: “For many of us, our husbands have passed away, and we cannot afford dugout canoes. These new canoes will make a real difference in our lives.”
The Kandangapma Women’s Business Group, with 150 members from Angoram Service Camp along the Sepik River, also received support. Chairlady Ms. Tina Savinio highlighted the impact: “These canoes will help our mothers in the village catch more fish, improve nutrition, and generate income through fish sales.”
The Programme’s Gender & Youth Inclusion Specialist, Ms. Patu Shang, emphasized the importance of inclusion: “This initiative not only supports women in their role as food producers but also strengthens the entire community’s economy. Sustainable development is achieved when both men and women work together.”
The EU-STREIT PNG Programme’s approach extends beyond providing equipment; it also focuses on building the capacity of local fisher groups through training in improved fishing techniques, as well as in fish production, processing, and marketing. East Sepik Deputy Governor Mr. David Kausik thanked the EU-funded initiative and urged recipients to use the resources effectively: “These boats are a valuable asset. I encourage all fishing groups to make the most of this support to improve both their catches and their incomes.”
The distribution follows a fisheries value chain study commissioned by the Programme and conducted by the PNG National Fisheries Authority. The study identified key challenges in the Sepik region’s fisheries sector and informed the Programme’s strategies for upgrading and investment.