National Plan of Action on Sharks and Rays 2021 – 2024.

The National Plan of Action (NPOA) on Sharks and Rays is a national policy covering the period between 2021 and 2024. This NPOA aims to develop a consistent nationwide approach to the management of sharks and rays and build sustainable marine resource management systems. To this end, this NPOA lays down the following strategies: (I) the conservation, management, and sustainable use of oceanic and coastal shark and ray resources in the waters of Papua New Guinea; (II) strengthened coordination and control between the National Fisheries Authority and the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority in managing incidental catch of shark and ray in the tuna longline, purse seine and the Gulf of Papua prawn trawl fisheries, and the implementation of measures to reduce by-catch by fishers within their licensing permits and conditions; (III) update of management measures to regulate artisanal shark fishing for shark fin by the National Fisheries Authority; and (IV) encouraging coastal, maritime and riverine communities to set up Locally Managed Marine Areas to protect and manage critical habitats, such as breeding, feeding and cleaning stations used by sharks, rays, sawfish and chimaeras.