Associate Professor Jes Sammut from UNSW Science has been awarded over $2.6 million by the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research for an ongoing project aimed at enhancing fish farming practices in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The project, building on previous successful initiatives, seeks to improve not only fish production but also the overall well-being of local communities.
Under the leadership of A/Prof. Sammut, the project has demonstrated transformative impacts, including increased protein intake, enhanced self-esteem, and a reduction in tribal conflicts. The upcoming 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, scheduled for January 10 to 12, 2024, is anticipated to further support and amplify these efforts.
The collaborative project with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) aims to introduce technologies that will facilitate the commercialization of fish farming through larger farms. Additionally, it seeks to expand training networks for fish farming, contributing to the industry’s sustainable growth.
Jacob Wani, the project lead from the NFA, expressed a shared goal with A/Prof. Sammut to improve protein access, income, and livelihoods in PNG. The collaborative effort involves a multi-disciplinary team working across the two countries, fostering mutual respect and addressing challenges as a unified team.
Since 2009, the fisheries industry in PNG has witnessed remarkable growth, with the number of fish farms increasing from around 11,000 to over 70,000 in 2023. The success of previous projects is attributed to strong, trust-based relationships developed with PNG farmers.
The new project will focus on further enhancing fish production, reviewing optimal sizes for reservoir-based fish farming, and testing new fish feed and farming practices to reduce costs and environmental impact. Leveraging nuclear technologies developed by UNSW and ANSTO (project partner), the project will conduct studies on fish nutrition and the environment.
A/Prof. Sammut highlighted the need to research alternative feeds for larger-scale fish farming in PNG, addressing the scarcity of commercial fish feed. The project will also contribute to gender-related programs, supporting women who are victims of violence related to sorcery accusations.
The PNG Tribal Foundation, a key partner in the project, will collaborate on gender-related components and introduce fish farming to the Village of Hope, a model for sustainable livelihoods and peaceful communities in PNG.
The project builds on the successful collaboration between UNSW and the NFA, contributing to knowledge networks and skill-building for farmers, ultimately promoting sustainable farming practices across PNG. Mr. Wani emphasized the two-way process of capacity building that benefits both PNG and Australia through training initiatives.
Partners in the project include UNSW, the National Fisheries Authority of PNG, the PNG National Department of Agriculture and Livestock, the PNG Tribal Foundation, the Sisters of Notre Dame, and ANSTO.
