European Union: PNG taking heed of yellow card

The Head of European Union Elisabeth Gotschi says, PAPUA NEW GUINEA has demonstrated efforts in addressing issues surrounding the “yellow card” issued by European Union (EU) a few months ago, 

Gotschi said relevant authorities have taken this (yellow card) as a warning and have acted promptly in addressing issues put forward to the country by EU regarding illegal fishing in our waters.

“I think the government (national) has sent some representatives to Brussels to speak with our colleagues there.

“They are making progress in trying to address some of the issues that were identified.

“The issues that they are going to address are very detailed and they (government representatives) knew about it so they are working on it. There are regular communications on updates and they are directly in touch with the headquarters – work is progressing,” she said.

Government body responsible, National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is reviewing five key areas EU has instructed the state to address.

The key areas include legislation, tuna management plan, traceability, licensing and cooperation among relevant state agencies. 

In June, the EU issued the ‘yellow card’ to Papua New Guinea and Philippines and threatened import bans over illegal fishing.

The aim of the ‘card’ was for PNG to be transparent on its mechanisms involving those five areas.

Meanwhile, Gotschi further stated that “EU strongly believes that compliance with regulation is good for Papua New Guinea because your country, your citizens, your fishermen, don’t want any illegal fishing happening in the country. 

“Nobody benefits from that and addressing these issues I think is good for PNG,” Gotschi said. 

“We have a joint interest in making sure that the compliances are there.”