In a ceremony conducted in Pari Village, some 20 minutes away from Port Moresby on Thursday December 10th, 30 fishers graduated with certificates in Marine Aquarium Fishing.  Fourteen of them were from Taurama and sixteen were from Pari Village.  Dame Carol Kidu urged the graduates to take the opportunity seriously and maximize on the benefits the project has to offer. She said that this was a sign that the villagers have learnt and understood the importance of aquarium fishing and reef sustainability at large. She stressed the importance of managing their own marine products and emphasised that the SEASMART marine aquarium project gives the locals a chance to empower themselves and improve their livelihood. She also saw this as a window of opportunity to acquire greater financial assistance from NFA or other sources for future developments.

Other notable attendees included Sir Prof. Isi Kevau from UPNG, NFA Executive Officer Mr. Ernest Abel, NFA Financial Controller Mr. Terry Ward, and NFA Fisheries Management – Manager for INSHOR Mr. Leban Gisawa. Representing EcoEZ was President Mr. David Vosseler, Vice-President Mr. Antoney Carmel and Country Director for PNG Mr. Kema Milu.

A world class export facility at the Gordon’s NFA facility in Port Moresby will be completed in early 2010. This facility, which includes world-standard equipments such as a Protein Skimmers and UV light filtering systems, puts PNG on the same footing as other major industrial traders in the industry.  The facility staffs have received extensive training in holding and handling best practices from expert consultants in the field.  They are also trained in organism identification; organism screening/inspection and water quality management best practices which meet MAC, ISO and OATA standards.

With additional markets and freight options being explored at the moment, PNG looks to expand its market base to meet the increased demand for PNG marine aquarium organisms.