FACTORS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF INLAND AQUACULTURE IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Freshwater fish farming was introduced to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the 1950s to increase access to animal-based protein. Many people in PNG live on less than USD 1.50 and protein deficiency is a significant health issue.  Rugged landscapes are not suitable for grazing large herds of animals. Although pigs are common in PNG, they are usually expensive and eaten at customary ceremonies and feasts.  Hunting is not always a viable option for many PNG communities, and many people cannot afford to purchase fresh, frozen or canned animal protein. Freshwater fish farming is part of the Government of PNG's strategic development plans and now widely recognised as an important contributor to food security.  Fish can be farmed alongside vegetable gardens and provide access to a source of protein without the need for refrigeration; fish can be harvested as needed.

By 2007 there were 10,000 farms in PNG and in under 10 years the number has grown to 60,000. We undertook a survey of the aquaculture sector in PNG and identified factors that have supported this growth, as well as bottlenecks to production.

Growth is attributed to improved farming practices and fingerling production, fish farming training programs, government funding of fish farming 'start up' projects, and increased collaborative research between the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).  International collaborative research projects have partnered with non-government agencies to promulgate research findings and provide training to farmers. Lead farmers have also played a major role in disseminating findings. The industry is still constrained by poor access to affordable fish feed and feed ingredients.  Husbandry practices are also poorly developed when compared to those used by fish farmers in nearby South East Asian countries.

The study also showed further potential for industry growth due to increasing knowledge transfer and growing realisation of the positive social and economic benefits of fish farming. NFA, in partnership with ACIAR, has developed a draft 10-year strategy to develop the industry sustainably.  Research into reducing the cost of fish feed is the highest priority, followed by locally-practical fish husbandry practices.