Empowering Coastal Communities Through Sustainable Fisheries in Milne Bay

In the coastal waters of Milne Bay Province, fishing is not just an economic activity, it is the foundation of community life, particularly for families in remote island settlements where formal employment opportunities are limited.

May 20, 2026

Ms. Sharon Maiseveni, Manager of Refah Fisheries Suppliers

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

In Saiwaga village and surrounding areas, one woman-led business is helping to reshape this reality by strengthening market access, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable use of marine resources.

Refah Fisheries Suppliers, managed by Sharon Maiseveni, is a growing fisheries business supported under UNDP’s Gutpela Solwara, Gutpela Bisnis project through the Blue Grants – Blue Economy Enterprise Incubation Facility (BE-EIF). Operating across Gamadoudou ward in Huhu LLG, the business purchases a wide range of fish, including mackerel, tuna, trevally, and reef species, from local fishers and supplies them to buyers in town under more structured and reliable arrangements.

For many years, Sharon Maiseveni has been a quiet but determined force behind sustainable fishing practices in her community. Through her consistent support to fishermen and women, she has helped strengthen livelihoods while promoting responsible use of marine resources. Her proactive engagement, ranging from awareness raising to hands on support, has built trust and resilience among local fishers. Sharaon’s story reflects how community leadership and commitment to sustainable fishing can create lasting positive impact for both people and reefs.

The business is designed to address long-standing challenges faced by coastal fishers, including limited market access, selective purchasing by buyers, and post-harvest losses that reduce household income.

“Some buyers only take certain species, and the rest gets wasted,” Sharon explains. “We step in to buy more of the catch so the fishers don’t lose income.”

To address this, Refah Fisheries Suppliers works directly with trained fishers to ensure better handling of catch, improved pricing fairness, and reduced waste. The business also promotes sustainable fishing practices, including discouraging undersized catches and limiting the harvesting of certain species during spawning periods.

However, like many rural fisheries businesses, operations were previously constrained by the lack of infrastructure, particularly cold storage and ice. Without proper preservation, fish often spoiled quickly in the tropical climate, leading to income loss for both fishers and the business.

With support from the Blue Grants, this is beginning to change. A key investment has enabled the construction of a dedicated processing shed, now nearing completion, which will serve as the central hub for receiving, sorting, and storing fish.

Processing shed under construction.

UNDP Papua New Guinea | Seru Kepa

“Before, we had to rent facilities, which was very expensive,” Sharon says. “Now with our own shed, it has reduced costs and made our work easier.”

The next phase of development includes the installation of solar-powered refrigeration and ice-making systems. This will allow the business not only to preserve fish more effectively but also to supply ice to local fishers, helping them maintain the quality of their catch from sea to market.

By using solar energy, the enterprise is also reducing reliance on costly fuel and improving operational sustainability in an environment where electricity access is limited and unreliable.

Beyond infrastructure, Refah Fisheries Suppliers is placing strong emphasis on community engagement and capacity building. Sharon and her team conduct awareness sessions with fishers on Good Fishing Practice Guidelines, including appropriate gear use, reef protection, and responsible harvesting methods.

“We sit with the fishermen and talk to them directly,” she says. “Sometimes we go out with them to demonstrate how to fish responsibly and take care of the reefs.”

These efforts are complemented by practical training materials and hands-on demonstrations, helping fishers improve both their environmental practices and post-harvest handling techniques.

Importantly, the business is also creating space for inclusion. Women are engaged in administration, fish processing, and community outreach roles, helping to ensure that economic benefits are shared more equitably across households.

As a woman managing a fisheries enterprise, Sharon sees this as part of a broader mission.

“It is challenging, but I believe in creating opportunities for women and families,” she shares. “Through this work, we can help support school fees, daily needs, and better livelihoods.”

The expected impact of these interventions is significant. Improved storage and market systems will reduce fish spoilage, increase incomes for fishers, and create more stable supply chains. At the same time, stronger adherence to sustainable fishing practices will help protect marine ecosystems and ensure long-term fish stock health.