National Aquaculture Development Policy 2004.

The National Aquaculture Development Policy lays down strategies to foster development of successful commercial aquaculture by the private sector, using economic profit as the motive, and subsistence aquaculture to enhance food security and provide some alternative income source. This policy aims at facilitating the private sector-led development of all levels of the aquaculture sector. The goals for aquaculture development are: (I) to fulfill current demand for aquaculture seed by facilitating the establishment of hatcheries by the private sector, or key line agencies for socially important species; (II) to establish a prawn culture industry that is self-reliant in post larvae production; (III) to increase total aquaculture production and allocate a part of the production to be low-priced fish for low-income groups; (IV) to establish an aquaculture strategy and plan to state developmental options, identify potential aquaculture sites, education and training of human resources; (V) to provide suitable and affordable feed for important commercial aquaculture species; and (VI) to gain access to overseas markets and establish reputation that PNG aquaculture export products are of superior quality and meet international quarantine and phyto-sanitary requirements.
Aquatic animal health issues will be addressed to achieve the disease free status of the PNG aquaculture industry. Disease prevention approaches and measures and effective cooperation at provincial, national and regional levels will be undertaken to minimize disease transmission. Appropriate and effective national policies and regulatory framework on the introduction and transfer of live aquatic organisms and products will be developed to reduce the risks of introduction, establishment and spread of disease pathogens which can impact on aquatic biodiversity and the aquaculture industry. Capacity building both at the institutional and farmer levels on disease control, monitoring, quarantine will be strengthened through awareness-raising, training and extension services. Appropriate measures will be taken to reduce feed costs and increase total aquaculture production, such as the importation of tax free affordable aquaculture feed; research on developing farm made suitable feed utilizing readily available local feed materials; and the establishment of a domestic aquaculture feed industry by the private sector. Aquaculture education and training will be provided to build the knowledge, skills and attitude of all people involved in the sector.
This policy underlines the important role of aquaculture in enhancing food security and alleviating poverty in rural areas. Rural and small-scale house hold centered development focus will be promoted in aquaculture development. Aquaculture systems to farm low-value fish species affordable to the rural people, will be promoted. Extension support will be provided to encourage low input aquaculture systems for rural household based small scale aquaculture operations. The information about nutritional advantages of eating fish to vulnerable groups, such as pregnant and lactating women and families with infants and pre-school children, will be disseminated. Furthermore, aquaculture food quality will be improved to enhance product safety and nutritional value. Food safety standards will be adopted in line with international requirements, such as the EU requirement for HACCP. International protocols for residue monitoring of antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, etc in aquaculture products will be adopted. The labeling of aquaculture produce shall include information on feed additives, growth promoters and other ingredients used in aquaculture production. The collection, analysis and dissemination of relevant information will be strengthened to enable producers to make informed decisions and ensure customer confidence in food safety of aquaculture products from PNG.
Environmentally, economically and socially sustainability assessment criteria and indicators of aquaculture development will be adopted for use in assessing aquaculture proposals. Strategies will be developed to ensure that aquaculture operations in coastal areas and inland watersheds are within environmental carrying capacities. Resource efficient farming systems will be developed to ensure efficient use of water, land, and aquaculture inputs, such as feed and seed. Improved aquaculture management practices and code of good practice for aquaculture sector will be implemented and supported by enforceable aquaculture regulations. Good practices for environmental management of aquaculture operations will be promoted as a means of improving environmental quality and resource.
The private sector funding and investment in aquaculture development and infrastructure will be encouraged to facilitate or increase rural sector aquaculture development. Credit schemes will be established, especially for artisanal aquaculture development. Aquaculture research station for both marine and freshwater species will be established to conduct appropriate aquaculture research into indigenous species. Information and communication will be strengthened for effective management and development of the aquaculture sector. Market development and promotional strategies for aquaculture products will be developed both domestically and overseas to increase demand, add value and increase returns for aquaculture products.
The monitoring and control of aquaculture development activities will be strengthened in terms of (i) licensing of aquaculture facilities, and fish processing and export facilities; (ii) fish quarantine matters relating to issuing of import permits, domestic translocation of species, disease control and other related matters; and (iii) environmental impact assessment reports for aquaculture licences. All aquaculture operations must comply with national guidelines and regulations relating to aquaculture activities, importation/translocation of fish or aquatic organisms, and fish quarantine conditions. This Plan sets out aquaculture development priorities for the artisanal/subsistence aquaculture and commercial aquaculture. Aquaculture research will be conducted on seed propagation; feed development; potential of indigenous species; feasibility studies on economic, technical and environmental sustainability for aquaculture projects; and possible disease treatments, disease methods and development of disease resistant strains.