Papua New Guinea plans to set up a marine research institute.
The National newspaper reports a deal has just been signed between the National Fisheries Authority and contractor Yatala Ltd.
At the cost of more than 1 million US dollars, the first facility of its kind in the country will be on Kavieng Nago Island.
Sylvester Pokajam, NFA managing director, said the facility will be referred to as the Institute for Marine Resources
It will include a hatchery and nursery for marine species to help increase and sustain cultured marine population, especially the Bech-der-mer which had been depleted in most areas in the country.
The facility's year-long construction will begin next month.
