In the fish markets throughout Port Moresby you can find a rare view of turtle meat being sold openly. As the turtle hunting is ban then how come the meat of this endangered species is available in the open markets of Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea? This question is certainly demand explanation from the authority in the country. It also raises the authenticity of international ban on such creatures. The sea turtles are protected by international conventions from commercial fishing.
But the availability of its meat in the open markets shows that the sea turtle is hunting commercially. It is known that Papua New Guinea is a signatory to these international conventions. According to international conventions only traditional fishing of sea turtles can be done, which would include traditional bartering (or trading) of turtle meat.
Now the based on that the selling of turtle meat in urban or rural fish markets is definitely illegitimate. And it is no denying fact that people are catching turtles for commercial gains. The authority responsible for enforcing such conventions should ensure that the sea turtles are well protected, especially from being caught and sold in any markets. The National Fishing Authority of Papua New Guinea should take stern measures against the selling of sea turtle meat in Port Moresby. Even the people are also accountable that they should not encourage the hunting of sea turtles by purchasing their meat form these markets.
