Critical Policy Review of National Oceans Policy (2021)
By Kaylyn Kiwar
The National Ocean Policy 2020-2030 is an awesome policy set in place purposely to manage and protect marine life. It was set to make up for the decades of unjust exploitation, deprivation and injustice for marine resources with that being said let me highlight a few important points that was highlighted in the policy before highlighting my recommendations. Let’s not forget the policy’s vision is to create a healthy ocean for sustainable development and the addressing and lessen impacts of climate change, natural disasters, and synthetic waste and land-based sources of pollution. Putting it in other words its vision is to ensure there is a healthy ocean for sustainable development and for the need to address any raising issue that may cause impact on marine life. On the other hand, the policy’s goals is to sustain, develop and manage PNG’s marine resources via a unified ocean management system both within and outside its national jurisdiction followed by five supporting objectives. However, unfortunately these goals and visions are not achieved due to the ongoing destructions being done to the marine livelihood by:
Mining activities
Logging
Illegal fishing and exploitation of marine resources
Mining activities
In PNG mining of resources such as gold is common because PNG is rich in minerals or rather a richest black nation. With that being said in May of 2020 a couple of article was published raising concern about the dumping of mine waste into the sea by one of the world’s battery nickel plant, Ramu Nico (Morse, 2020). More than 5000 plus villagers and a provincial government filed a lawsuit against the world’s most prolific battery nickel plant. It was reported that a pipeline pumps tailings into Basamuk Bay dumped 450 meters from shore at the measure of 150 meters the tailings was expected to sink to depths of 1,500 meters .Ramu Nico uses what is known as “deep-sea tailings” disposal with less knowledge on the negative impacts it has on marine life. A similar damage was done in 2019 resulting in dead fish, a poisoned baby dolphin, and a death of a man by a cocktail of heavy metals. Resulting in the then Madang Governor Peter Yama constantly called the spill “the worst environmental disaster in PNG history” (Morse, 2020).
Logging:
Just as similar as mining, logging companies have also played a major role in contributing to the destruction of marine life via climate change. Papua New Guinea is made up of about 78% of forest. Forest played an enormous role in contributing to PNG’s economy via exports of timbers, natural habitat and climate change off course (PNGFA, 2019). Forest plays a major role on rainfall patterns, absorb carbon dioxide and trees store hence, if they are being cleared, they in turn release carbon dioxide plus other greenhouse gases into the air. The loss of nature results in up to 10% of global warming thus the only way to help combat climate change is to put a stop to deforestation (Climate council, 2024). Going back to the National Ocean Policy, lest you forget supporting objectives two calls for the support and implementation of the Fourth Goal of the National Constitution relating to fair management and use of the natural resources and habitat in PNG.
Illegal fishing and exploitation of marine resources:
In 2023, an article was published on exploitation of marine resources and the widespread issue of illegal fishing. The news article stressed on illegal fishing in PNG waters by foreign industrial vessels operating in the nights via the use of banned fishing methods and negligence of regulations set in place. It pointed out that bottom trawling damages ocean floors, exhaustion of fish stocks and damaging of vulnerable habitats (The National, 2023). Prime Minister James Marape attended a summit in Honiara last month and stressed on sustainable fisheries he, appealed to great global powers to be responsible and take sea pollution and temperature rise into consideration. He further declared for PNG to take stronger actions and measures to fight against illegal fishing. (David, 2025). Let’s be reminded once again for one of the policy’s goal which is to sustain, develop and manage PNG’s marine resources via integrated ocean management system both within and outside the country’s jurisdiction. I believe we all understood now why it is truly important for this policy to be reviewed as soon as possible.
Recommendations:
In regard to all negative impacts done on Mother Ocean and marine life listed above, I strongly recommend for The National Ocean Policy to be studied again, checked, reviewed and adjusted for the better management of all marine resources and the future generation that’s yet to come. Hence, provided below is my recommendation.
I strongly recommend for the Department of Justice and Attorney General to review the policy and tighten it up by introducing the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy in order for effective protection, sustainable and management of marine resources. It is an active Ocean Policy currently being in Australia and 15 plus other countries (DCCEEW, 2025). I highly recommend for PNG to join them in order for toughen up laws on security, protection and management of our ocean as well as marine lives.
References:
(2025, February, 11). Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: dcceew.gov.au.
https://www.dcceew.gov.au
Kuman, R. (2023, July 18). Marine resources facing exploitation: The National, PNG.
https://thenational.com.pg
(2025, February, 27). Prime Minister Marape calls for stronger Action against Illegal Fishing at the Honiara Summit: pmnec.gov.pg.
https://www.pmnec.gov.pg
Morse, I. (2020, May, 22). Locals stage latest fight against PNG mine dumping waste into sea: MONGABAY.
https://news.mongabay.com
(2024, December, 10). DEFORESTATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE: Climate Council.
https://www.climatecouncil.org.au
A critical policy review of the National Oceans Policy (2021) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is essential to ensure its effectiveness in managing marine resources, addressing environmental challenges, and aligning with national and international goals. I truely support your recommendation of policy review by highlighting how the review of National Ocean policy should be conducted:
ReplyDelete1. Set Clear Objectives for the Review:
- Define what the review aims to achieve, such as assessing policy outcomes, identifying gaps, and recommending improvements.
2. Stakeholder Consultation:
- Engage stakeholders including government agencies, local communities, NGOs, industry players, scientists, and Indigenous groups to gather diverse perspectives.
3. Data Collection and Analysis:
- Analyze existing data on marine biodiversity, fisheries health, pollution levels, and economic impacts to assess the policy’s impact.
4. Benchmarking Against Best Practices:
- Compare PNG’s policy with successful ocean governance models from other countries to identify best practices.
5. Evaluate Governance Structures:
- Review coordination mechanisms between national, provincial, and local governments, ensuring roles and responsibilities are clear.
6. Environmental Impact Assessment:
- Assess how well the policy addresses environmental conservation, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem-based management.
7. Economic and Social Impact Analysis:
- Evaluate how the policy affects economic sectors like fisheries and tourism and the social well-being of coastal communities.
8. Legal and Institutional Framework Review:
- Ensure the policy is supported by adequate legal instruments and institutional capacities for enforcement.
9. Public Awareness and Education:
- Assess the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns and education programs on ocean conservation.
10. Recommendations and Policy Updates:
- Based on findings, recommend specific amendments to strengthen the policy, such as clearer regulations, enhanced stakeholder roles, and improved monitoring mechanisms.
A comprehensive review of PNG’s National Oceans Policy (2021) will ensure the policy remains relevant, effective, and aligned with the country’s environmental, social, and economic priorities.