Siro Media

07/05/2026

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INITIAL test results on dead marine life from Kafkaf in New Ireland have confirmed the presence of poisonous minerals in the samples taken.

Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong announced the results, saying risk assessment, including laboratory test results from the Singapore-based ALS Technichem PTE Limited on fish mortality in the villages along the New Ireland coast, showed traces of arsenic, cadmium, chromium and lead.

Read More : https://www.thenational.com.pg/poison-confirmed-in-fish-deaths/

06/05/2026

A total of over 11 000 kina worth of medical drugs was donated on Tuesday May 5th 2026 as emergency medical relief supply to Lemakot, Bol and Kimadan Health Centres by Ailan Awareness Incorporation.

This is to cater for health cases related to the “fish kills crisis” reported from the affected coastal communities that falls within the catchment areas of the 3 health centres.

Speaking during the delivery, Ailan Awareness founder, John Aini stressed that as an NGO “our priority is to serve the communities and ensure that mothers and children have access to basic medication."

He thanked InnerLight Foundation founder Bodhi Patil and the team of experts who have made this possible through the “Go Fund Me” drive.

He also made a special mention to those who have donated to the drive.

“Your donation contributes to saving a life in New Ireland as we navigate this crisis,” stressed Aini.

In thanking Ailan Awareness and the international conservation advocates, New Ireland Provincial Authority (NIPHA) Pharmacist Moinca Wulwerau said the medical supplies are timely and will go a long way in serving the affected communities especially at this point when the health centres are running low on medical stock.

She also confirmed that Lemakot Health Center serves Manggai aid post while Bol Health Center serves Madina. (Kafkaf is also within the catchment area of Bol Health Centre)

Lemakot Health Centre Sister in Charge, Florence Copland welcomed the donation as a major boost that fills the gap in serving the affected communities. "Our shelves are almost empty and this coming at this critical point is a blessing," she said.

NIPHA Kavieng District Health Manager Betty Tameluk clarified that the team from provincial pharmacy’s role is to ensure that the medical drugs are used for its intended purpose and it is effectively monitored.

ENDS//

25/04/2026

The journey has been nothing short of a profound adventure. Shout out to all our followers 🥳 thank you for the reactions, interactions, shares and likes...lets keep this going

21/04/2026

This video captures an overview of Ailan Awareness' work with the "Fish Kills" affected coastal communities since February 2026. The journey from running trainings with Manggai community reps for local monitoring and data collection to getting to where we are today has been nothing short of profound.

Fragments of the untold stories are yet to be told, as we continue to plant the seed of change and hope for a shift in the way our people look after the ocean and the environment that we were ordained to be guardians of during our limited days here on earth.

For the love of the OCEAN! For the love for our PEOPLE! 💙

17/04/2026

TANIR GETS HELP FROM FLOATING HOSPITAL

With the aim of bringing specialized health services to the most remote communities, the medical team from the New Caledonian association Aideocean finally set foot on Tanga Islands of New Ireland Province after more than 30 hours of sailing from Kavieng
Ten healthcare workers, both from Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, started their first consultations on Monday April 13th for on the island.

This tags the trip as Aideocean’s fourth time in Papua New Guinea since the association was created.

In the heart of Matentait village in the Tanga Islands, residents gather in large numbers on that afternoon to be seen by Aideocean’s medical team. To get to the nearest hospital at Namatanai takes more than two hours by boat, most times locals resort to traditional herbs that is available on the island which weighs as a better option compared to losing life at sea on the way to Namatanai hospital.

Anastasia, 26, is among the first patients examined by the team. The young mother of two came seeking a contraceptive implant. “Some women here are giving birth and quickly getting pregnant again. That’s why I wanted this implant.” She said.

For New Caledonian midwife Dorothée Degrotte, caring for her young patient involves embracing the stark realities of isolation on the island. “It is necessary to adapt to the reality of the work, or rather the reality in the field, where we know very well that these people may not have other healthcare workers coming quickly. So, we need to give them as much advice as possible regarding the contraception they are using and really explain everything to them.” Said Degrotte.

According to Dentist Musangu Kanus, the contrast is striking, it is so different from her usual working conditions in Kavieng, New Ireland. “I am trying to adapt the lighting here, but it’s not easy. Right now, I am seeing a deaf and mute patient, so I am using sign language. I am trying my best". She said.

A few meters away from this improvised dental clinic, the immunization team continues its work against measles, rubella, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), and whooping cough.

Job Auguste, nurse explains her line of specialty saying she gave IPV, which protects the baby and confirmed that they had already given doses for about 20 children.”

To carry out the other medical procedures, members of AideOcean have set up in a small fare located behind the village women’s house where they pick up on the patient line on a steady increase.
Marine Bayer, nurse and president of the Aidecean association said there were many skin problems such as ringworm, fungal infections, etc. “We have some medications and creams with us, but I think we will not be able to provide all the necessary skin treatments today, so we will come back tomorrow morning,” she stressed.

The team continued its mission this Tuesday in the neighbouring village of Tefa. After Tanga it will set sail for the final part of its mission on the Feni Islands.

//ends//

16/04/2026

If you have any sightings of fish kills in your village.

This is what you do!

1) Take a picture of what you see

2) write a simple caption;

i) describing the fish,
ii) stating how many fish you see,
iii) give your location, village, Ward, LLG
iv) state the time and date you saw the fish kills

3) Send it to Ailan Awareness Hotline # via whatsaap on (675) 71434311

For any other enquiries you can email;

[email protected]

13/04/2026

First Results for Water Samples from NFA is OUT!

Addressing the Fish Kills Kavieng Incident - Causes & Remedial Actions.

The recent fish mortality incident at Larairu Lagoon in Kavieng, New Ireland Province, has raised significant alarm among local communities, environmental authorities, and government agencies. This situation, which has been ongoing since December 2025, presents complex challenges to marine ecosystems, public health, and local livelihoods.

Initial reports on social media in December 2025 highlighted a disturbing trend: widespread fish deaths and deteriorating water quality in the lagoon. Following formal notifications received by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) at the end of the month, a multi-agency investigation was launched to assess the situation.

The findings suggest that the fish mortality may be attributed to several interrelated factors. Measurements revealed alarming pH anomalies, with values fluctuating between 12 and 13.5. Such extreme alkalinity can severely stress aquatic life, damaging fish gills, impairing reproductive success, and altering the ecosystem's overall health.

The investigation points to a combination of hydrological mixing, marine intrusion, localized seep or cold-vent activity, and potential contamination from agricultural runoff, particularly fertilizers from nearby oil palm plantations. Heavy rainfall and runoff during December 2025 likely exacerbated these conditions.

The incident has not only led to ecological distress but has also affected the drinking water supply and livelihoods of over 550 residents who rely on the lagoon for fishing and daily domestic use.

The investigations conducted from February 20th to 26th, 2026, included sampling over 30 sites around the lagoon and surrounding areas. Key observations indicate a deterioration in water quality that correlates with the fish mortality event. While initial laboratory tests on seawater, sediments, and algae have shown no heavy metal contamination, results for fish samples are still pending.

Community feedback suggests a reduction in reported fish deaths and a slow return to local fishing activities since March 2026. However, further technical verification is essential before any firm conclusions regarding fish consumption can be made.

In light of these findings, the NFA is advocating for a coordinated response involving various government departments to facilitate relief assistance and ensure the affected communities receive the necessary support. Key recommendations include:

A second follow-up investigation is recommended to establish a more conclusive understanding of the environmental disturbances and their implications for fish safety and community livelihoods.

Ongoing dialogue with local leaders is crucial to monitor changes in conditions and gather feedback on the community’s needs.

The NFA is prepared to lead efforts in organizing relief supplies, including medical aid, food, and clean drinking water, to the communities impacted by the fish mortality incident.

Our Regulatory Measures is to ensure compliance with environmental standards and food safety regulations is paramount to restore community confidence in local fisheries and maintain access to both domestic and international markets.

The Kavieng fish mortality incident underscores the need for vigilant environmental management and community engagement in resource-dependent areas. Through collaborative efforts and responsive actions, we aim to rectify the current situation, safeguard public health, and restore the ecological balance of Larairu Lagoon. It is imperative that we learn from this incident to prevent future occurrences and promote sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.

13/04/2026

This is a statement form NFA, follow the link, it contains SAMPLE Results of the initial water sampling from NFA.

Though can someone confirm where Larairu Lagoon is?

The recent fish mortality incident at Larairu Lagoon in Kavieng, New Ireland Province, has raised alarm among local communities, environmental authorities, and government agencies.

Read more: https://tvwan.com.pg/news/9111



Picture Supplied