Fisheries Crackdown: Operation Island Chief 2026 (OPIC26) flagged 16 vessels of interest and apprehended four in a two-week, FFA-coordinated surveillance push across about 27.5 million sq km of Pacific waters, including PNG’s EEZ—using aerial patrols, surface checks and remote monitoring to target illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Marine Tourism Boost: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has partnered to revive a dormant Port Moresby ferry, aiming to restart safe operations and expand marine tourism products and private-sector involvement along the capital’s coastline. Coastline Pollution: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities are calling for urgent support to tackle rising rubbish and plastic waste from Papa Lealea to Pari, warning of impacts on marine ecosystems, public health and livelihoods. Cocoa Downstreaming: Paradise Foods’ upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby is set to massively expand processing capacity, helping more farmers sell processed cocoa and supporting PNG’s push for higher-value production at home. Gas Local Benefits: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved the Pasca A Gas Project National Content Plan, setting a framework to grow PNG jobs, training and local business participation in project supply chains. Climate Risk Attention: Experts warn strong El Niño conditions are likely to bite, with knock-on effects for water and food supplies and school disruptions already being reported. Biodiversity Note: A long-missing PNG bird, the black-naped pheasant-pigeon, has been highlighted as rediscovered after decades—an encouraging reminder of what conservation and careful fieldwork can still uncover.