They are aimed at providing credit funds to people and groups involved in the fisheries sector and to create markets, Provincial Fisheries adviser Thomas Amepou said.
“The first is the coastal fishing programme and the second is the community-based fishing programme. They are aimed at assisting and giving technical advice to local people in terms of seeking loan facilities and market arrangements,” he said.
In a brief presented to the recently concluded National Provincial Fisheries conference in Lae, Mr Amepou said the Madang provincial administration now realised the significance of the fisheries sector and how it could contribute in terms of economical returns to the province. The Madang provincial government has signed a memorandum of agreement with the National Development Bank to assist fishermen to access credit funds for investment.
The province had four big maritime districts namely, Rai Coast, Madang, Sumkar and Bogia.
These are the densely populated districts of the province and fishing is a daily activity for most of the coastal villagers.
Fishing occurs around the Bismarck sea and in the atolls.
Catches are sold at the local markets, local hotels and restaurants.
Boost for fishing industry
PAPUA NEW GUINEA - Two proposals that should boost the local fishing industry have been presented to the Madang provincial administration.