Micah Borok & Team Takam: PNG perspectives at ASFB in Darwin
The theme of this year’s ASFB Conference in Darwin was ‘Connecting Waters’, and that meant connecting cultures and connecting people too. One of our favourite connections throughout the week was with Micah Borok from Team Takam.
“I made many new friends and contacts which is extra special to me.” - Micah Borok (centre, in the Team Takam T-shirt!)
Micah is a proud PNG man, with strong Faiwol Wopkai traditional customs, language and lifestyle. He strives to be a leader in his community and to demonstrate a positive influence through his environmental stewardship along the Fly River.
Team Takam is a strong partnership between Papua New Guinea culture and western science. At its heart is the relationship between Micah, who runs Takam Environmental Research Services in Tabubil, PNG, and Dr Michael Hammer, Curator of Fishes at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT).
“The landmasses of Australia and New Guinea, while isolated today, were at times connected in the past under lower sea levels,” explains Micah. “The regions collectively share a freshwater fish fauna with high endemism and unique forms being markedly different to Asian fauna. Hence any full understanding of the fish fauna in one part of this region requires broader comparisons and co-operation.”
Micah Borok and Michael Hammer outside Darwin Convention Centre.
Micah travelled down flooded mountain roads and took three planes to reach Darwin. MAGNT hosted Micah during his time in the Top End, supporting his travel and accommodation. An ASFB bursary also supported his conference registration.
“I must say this was a great experience, traveling from the mountainous areas of the Upper Fly River, but it was very strange seeing the place here is so flat. No mountains!”
ASFB 2025, which brought together over 300 delegates from across Australia and beyond, was the first scientific conference Micah had attended in person. Previously he had presented at a smaller conference in Cairns, but only via Zoom.
In Darwin he delivered an oral presentation to an audience eager for his insights into the fish (takam) of PNG. He describes the experience as “a bit scary but a good challenge” that built his confidence and capacity for speaking about his science publicly.
“A bit scary but a good challenge” - Micah presents at ASFB 2025.
Micah also joined a panel discussion, where he spoke of his culture and fish projects in remote regions. He found this emotional.
“I cried in the panel discussion room because this is the right time that I can express my pain during my 12 years of self-learning and passion in the love of studying environmental science intertwined with culture, and about two-way learning of different species of takam and languages names,” says Micah.
“Studies in remote communities are very tough where there is not enough support. But with the kind heart of my immediate family, they always give me backing for my takam field research studies.”
Micah with ASFB President John Morrongiello.
Micah made many new friends during his time in Darwin. He brought fascinating PNG perspectives on fish science and fisheries policy: building partnerships with governments; protecting caves, sacred sites, sink holes and primary forests in the Fly River; and finding proactive and sustainable solutions to the environmental risks posed by logging. He also enjoyed the conference dinner and music.
Making the most of his trip, Micah spent three weeks in Darwin in total, before flying to Perth to explore the collections of the Western Australian Museum and meet other Fly River and fish research stakeholders.
“I am privileged to get to Australia to acquire scientific knowledge, to network and promote fish and fisheries research, mentoring and education,” reflects Micah. “Not just for my interest but for my family and people in my remote home. The struggle in remote parts of PNG is real. As I left my young family to come here, I knew it was for my kids and future generations (Kalkamin luk! Amsin Luk!)”