Piku Biodiversity Network

Piku Biodiversity Network Sounds the Alarm: Unsustainable Fish Maw Trade Threatens Kikori River Delta

Article by: Yolarnie Amepou
Published: March 20, 2024

Here at the Piku Biodiversity Network, we’ve dedicated ourselves to protecting the rich biodiversity of the Kikori River Delta. But our recent research, published in Conservation Letters, reveals a hidden threat lurking beneath the surface – the devastating impact of the unregulated fish maw trade.

Fish maw, the dried swim bladder of certain fish species, is a prized delicacy in Chinese cuisine, fetching high prices on the international market. This demand has fueled the rise of unregulated fisheries in Papua New Guinea, targeting these very fish populations right here in our Delta.

Our study exposes a double-edged sword wielded by this unsustainable practice. Firstly, targeted fish populations are being rapidly depleted, disrupting the delicate balance of the Delta’s ecosystem. These fish play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy food chain, and their decline can have cascading effects on all marine life.

But the danger goes deeper. Our research shows a high level of bycatch – the unintended capture of non-target species – associated with these unregulated practices. These fisheries are unintentionally ensnaring already globally threatened species like turtles, dolphins, and sharks and rays that share the Delta’s waters. Accidental entanglement in nets and lines poses a significant threat to the survival of these vulnerable populations.

The future of the Kikori River Delta’s rich tapestry of life is at stake. We at Piku Biodiversity Network urge immediate action:

  • Strengthening regulations and enforcement: We need stricter regulations and improved enforcement efforts to control fishing practices within the Delta. Sustainable fishing practices are essential to protect both targeted fish populations and vulnerable bycatch.
  • Raising consumer awareness: Consumers can play a vital role by demanding sustainable alternatives and supporting responsible fishing practices. By understanding the environmental impact of the fish maw trade, consumers can make informed choices.
  • Collaboration is key: Piku Biodiversity Network is committed to working alongside local communities, empowering them to become stewards of their environment. We’re also actively engaging with our National Government and Provincial Authorities to advocate for effective policies. International partnerships, like those with SPREP and Save Our Seas Foundation who provided funding for this research, offer valuable resources and expertise.

The Kikori River Delta is a treasure, teeming with marine life. Its well-being is intricately linked to the livelihoods of local communities. Piku Biodiversity Network stands firm in its commitment to protecting this irreplaceable ecosystem. We urge all stakeholders to join us. Together, through advocating for responsible fishing practices and promoting sustainable alternatives, we can ensure a healthy future for the Kikori River Delta and its magnificent biodiversity.

You can find the full scientific article outlining this research here: Link to the research article: https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/conl.13006.

Let’s work together to protect our Kikori River Delta!

Fishmaw products from different fish species in the Kikori Delta
Bycatch of the fishmaw fishery in the Kikori Delta includes globally threatened and IUCN listed Critically Endangered sawfish and rhino-rays
The only gazette Protected Area in the Kikori River Delta, The Neiru or Aird Hills Wildlife Management Area.
A fisher waiting at fishing camp for his nets soaked in water awaiting fish.
A house in a village of the Kikori River Delta
The Kikori River Delta has over 100 species of freshwater and estuarine fish, the second largest record of endemism for fish in Papua new Guinea after the Fly River.
Fishers of a coastal Kikori River Delta village heading out to check their nets from the village early in the morning.