The Piku Biodiversity Network (PBN) is intensifying its efforts to protect sawfish and rhino rays in Papua New Guinea’s Kikori River Delta, collaborating closely with local fishers and conservation partners. These species, once abundant in the region’s waterways, now face critical endangerment due to habitat loss and fishing pressures. By engaging communities in active conservation, PBN aims to balance sustainable livelihoods with biodiversity preservation.
The Challenge: Fish Maw Trade and Its Impact
A significant threat to sawfish and rhino rays is the lucrative fish maw trade—the dried swim bladders of fish highly prized in Chinese cuisine and traditional medicine. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), this trade has rapidly expanded, with the fishery valued at approximately $831,000 USD annually between 2014 and 2018. This growth has been largely driven by external market demands and facilitated by expatriate Asian traders providing market access and fishing gear to local communities. Notably, the scaly croaker (Nibea squamosa) commands prices up to $15,615 USD per kilogram (dried) at the first point of sale, potentially the highest globally for fish maw products. citeturn0search4
This high market value has led to increased incidental catch rates of threatened species, including sawfish and rhino rays, in areas recognized as globally significant conservation strongholds. The unregulated nature of the fish maw fishery exacerbates the risk to these vulnerable species, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable management practices.
PBN’s Response: Community-Based Conservation Initiatives
In response to these challenges, PBN has launched the Community Engagement for the Conservation of Sawfish and Rhino Rays Project. A cornerstone of this initiative is the Sawfish Safe Release Programme, designed to educate and empower local fishers on the importance of safely releasing sawfish and rhino rays caught as bycatch. Through workshops and hands-on training, fishers learn best practices for handling and releasing these species, contributing to their survival and the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.
The programme has yielded promising results, with numerous fishers reporting successful safe releases. For instance, a fisher from Aiedio village recently documented the release of a juvenile sawfish entangled in his net, exemplifying the growing commitment among local communities to protect these ancient species.
Data Collection and Monitoring
Beyond promoting safe release practices, PBN collaborates with fishers to monitor catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE), collecting vital data on the frequency and circumstances of sawfish and rhino ray bycatch. This information is crucial for understanding population trends and assessing the impact of fishing activities on these species. By involving local communities in data collection, PBN ensures that conservation strategies are informed by real-world observations and experiences.
Addressing Socioeconomic Factors
Recognizing that conservation efforts must align with the socioeconomic realities of local communities, PBN facilitates dialogues on the challenges posed by the fish maw trade. Many fishers face issues such as low prices for their catch, economic inequities, and limited market access, which can drive unsustainable fishing practices. By addressing these concerns, PBN aims to develop equitable resource management strategies that support both the livelihoods of fishers and the preservation of endangered species.
Looking Ahead
The rapid development of the fish maw fishery in PNG underscores a broader global conservation issue driven by cultural demand and globalization. To mitigate these challenges, international trade databases should recognize fish maw as a high-value, globally traded product and consider implementing specific commodity codes to assist nations in identifying and managing emerging fisheries. Additionally, the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) could play a pivotal role in protecting vulnerable species by facilitating management practices for incidentally caught threatened species. citeturn0search4
Through continued collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and international partners, PBN remains dedicated to ensuring the survival of sawfish and rhino rays in the Kikori River Delta. By integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research and addressing the socioeconomic drivers of overfishing, PBN strives to create a sustainable future where both people and wildlife can thrive.
For more information on our initiatives and how you can support our efforts, please refer to our Sawfish Safe Release Programme poster and other resources available through PBN.
