The people of New Ireland can expect fisheries-based projects in the province to commence following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA). This MoA is to enable the implementation of the National Fisheries Strategic Plan (NFSP) 2020- 2030. The signing took place at the NFA headquarters in Port Moresby on Thursday, May 08th between New Ireland Governor, Walter D Schnaubelt and NFA Managing Director, Mr. Justin Ilakini and witnessed by Provincial Administrator Mr. Richard Andia. The signed MoA now paves way for more collaborative dialogue in developing the fisheries sector in New Ireland. Since the province hosts the National Fisheries College (NFC), the Nago (island) Research Facility and with rich marine resources, Governor Schnaubelt understands this as a significant maritime province for NFA to partner with in terms of fisheries and tourism. Under the MoA there are nine projects listed to be implemented over three years, and this year’s priority projects considered for the province include: · Kavieng Urban Shorefront Fisheries facilities and urban uplift. · Kavieng Foreshore Feasibility study. · Namatanai Fisheries Facilities and urban shorefront uplift which is currently underway for scoping, feasibility planning and design stages. Apart from the MOA, NFA has commitment through the NFC expansion and the Nago Facility to expand for the development of coastal fisheries in the province. The NFA Managing Director Mr. Ilakani, excited by the opportunity to tap into New Ireland Province with the new Governor with openness and determination to implement the MOA, highlighted NFA’s commitment through JICA’s K61 million funding to expand NFC Training Shorefront facility, Nago Research Facility upgrade to PNG Marine Research hub, and expansion of the National Fisheries College. Meanwhile, Governor Schnaubelt wishes to see more work in effective partnership with NFA and noted that the upgrade of Namatanai and Kavieng shorefronts and the proposed development of Kavieng Fish Market, marked as priority projects.