Customary inshore reefs and coastal waters (with landowner permission)

Roughly 97% of PNG's land and inshore waters are under customary clan/tribal ownership. Recreational and subsistence spearfishing is generally permitted in these waters but, in practice and by customary law, requires permission from the traditional landowners/village. Dive lodges and charter operators usually arrange this consent.

Obtain permission from traditional landowners before spearfishing; respect any local tambu (taboo/no-take) closures; do not take protected species.