Engaging with another person or community carries an inherent responsibility – the responsibility of impact. Every interaction, every word spoken, has the potential to ripple outwards, shaping the experiences of others. This responsibility becomes especially crucial when engaging with communities still grappling with the mental trauma of colonization and the introduction and unavoidable influence of outside contact, as is the case in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Imagine a place where ancient traditions guide the way people interact with the ocean. This isn't some mythical utopia; it's the reality for many coastal communities in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Here, customary law and coastal tenure (CMT) work hand-in-hand to ensure the health of marine resources for generations to come. 

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.