Papua New Guinea will host the Melanesian Oceans Summit in Port Moresby to discuss marine conservation and sustainability, according to Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong.
During the World Oceans Summit and Expo in Montreal, Wong emphasised the importance of innovative solutions in tackling challenges facing marine ecosystems.
A focal point of his remarks was the dark vessel detection (DVD) programme, a satellite surveillance initiative spearheaded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The programme was developed in partnership with the Department of National Defence and MDA Space.
It employs the RADARSAT Constellation Mission to detect illegal fishing activities and identifies vessels that have disabled their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and overlays this information with radio-frequency data, pinpointing potential security threats.
Wong hinted on similar initiatives in the Pacific, where illegal fishing remained a significant concern.
“By adopting advanced surveillance technologies, Pacific nations can enhance maritime security and protect their rich marine biodiversity,” he said.
Wong also engaged with donors who provide grants for initiatives focused on plastic recycling, clean energy, mangrove rehabilitation, and coral restoration.
He said that these collaborations were crucial for promoting sustainable practices and mitigating the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
But he urged stakeholders to recognise the urgent need for equitable support, stating that the Pacific is home to the “lungs and kidneys of Earth”.
Wong also called for the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement.
He said that the benefits of this framework for large ocean states, emphasising that it provides a platform for cooperative governance and sustainable management of shared marine resources.
