News

News updates from the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.

Kiribati Hands Over PNA Chairmanship to RMI

Today, Wednesday, 10 June 2026, in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Honourable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau officially handed over the Chairmanship of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) to his counterpart and host, the Honourable Minister Anthony Muller of RMI. In his departing remarks, Minister Tiwau stated: “Great things in tuna fisheries are never done by one minister or one nation. They are done by a team of nations, united by a shared vision and commitment across generations.” As part of the handover, Minister Muller accepted the traditional PNA chairmanship gift - Te Kaneati, a Kiribati fishing lure that symbolizes perfection, successful fishing, and the deep cultural ties between PNA nations and their ocean. Accepting the leadership helm, the new PNA Chair, Minister Muller, reaffirmed his clear vision for the organization: “Sustainable fisheries, greater value from our tuna resources, and lasting prosperity for PNA peoples.” The 21st PNA Ministerial Meeting, hosted this year by the Republic of the Marshall Islands, saw participation from Ministers of PNA member countries. The meeting was also attended by Her Excellency President Dr. Hilda Heine, traditional leaders, and fishing industry representatives from the Marshall Islands. The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources extended its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Marshall Islands and the Office of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement for their excellent hospitality and for organizing a highly successful 21st PNA Ministerial Meeting, as well as the preceding meetings of PNA Officials.

 

 

  • Hits: 49

Kiribati Strengthens EU Fisheries Compliance Capacity

'The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency facilitated a two-week regional workshop held in Suva from 25 May to 5 June, focusing on the Delegated EU Regulation 1449/2025. The workshop was attended by officials from the Competent Authority within the pacific region including three representatives from the Kiribati Competent Authority.

The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for Competent Authority across the region to strengthen their understanding of the EU regulatory framework and discuss practical measures and future strategies for ensuring full compliance among its offshore establishments that are EU listed, so as to continuously pursue the EU market.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) gratefully acknowledges the ongoing technical support provided by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, as well as the financial support from PEUMP.'

  • Hits: 49

Ara Marawa Policy Drives Ocean Stewardship Forward

In recognition of World Ocean Day, we reflect on the successful convening of the first Ara Marawa Coordinating Committee (AMCC) meeting, held on Thursday, 4 June 2026, following the official launch of Ara Marawa Policy (National Ocean Policy).

The meeting marked an important milestone as stakeholders gathered to discuss the way forward for implementing the Policy. Members were presented with the final endorsed version of the Policy and received updates from implementation partners on their planned contributions towards achieving its objectives.

Ara Marawa Policy represents a collective achievement, made possible through the dedication, collaboration, and shared vision of AMCC members, government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and communities. As custodians of our vast ocean, the meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to working together to protect and sustainably manage the marine resources that support our livelihoods, culture, food security, and future prosperity.

Discussions also focused on strengthening coordination for World Ocean Week activities and fostering continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the Policy. Stakeholders were provided with hard copies of the final endorsed Policy while the while the electronic version is now available for public access and download through MFOR's website.

As we celebrate World Ocean Day today, we are reminded that Ara Marawa Policy is more than a framework for ocean governance—it is a reflection of our collective responsibility and commitment to the ocean that connects, sustains, and defines us as a nation.

Happy World Ocean Day! Together, we can ensure a healthy and resilient ocean for present and future generations.

  • Hits: 77

FFA Fieldwork Advances Tuna Livelihood Opportunities

A 5 day fieldwork in Kiribati provides the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), through the Pacific Islands Oceanic Fisheries Management Project (OFMP3) in carrying out field investigations for the Regional Small- to Medium-Scale Tuna Processing and Value-Adding Livelihoods Framework. This trip conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources with convene of interviews, site inspections, focus groups dicussions with the wider audiences whom are key informants for this important work in Kiribati.
The team has been speaking with fishers, processors, value-adding entrepreneurs, market sellers, domestic industry representatives, Island Council members, and government partners to better understand the opportunities and challenges for increasing local benefits from tuna resources. Lisa Buchanan says ' Early findings of this field work highlight the vital role tuna plays in both food security and income generation in Kiribati.' She further added that the supply chains are often short, with fish moving quickly from fishers to markets, households, businesses, and community networks.
Participants identified range of priorities that could help strengthen tuna-related livelihoods, including improved access to equipment, processing space, reliable water and power supplies, food-safe facilities, safety equipment, and suitable places to prepare, process, and sell tuna. The fieldwork also highlighted the importance of local organisation and community decision-making. Fishers often work in small groups for safety, survival, and business, while communities play an important role in balancing affordable access to tuna with fair returns for fishers.
Kiribati’s tuna livelihood system is resilient and adaptive, but also influenced by factors such as weather, climate change, seasonality, fuel and import costs, safety at sea, and fluctuations in tuna supply.
What next from the fieldwork, this could share future assistance under the auspices of FFA to inform a practical regional framework for future support to small- and medium-scale tuna processing, value-adding, and sustainable tuna-based livelihoods across the region. The FFA team and MFOR sincerely extends worrds of gratitude for the support of those willingliness to form part of this field work. Ko rabwa Kiribati for welcoming us and sharing your stories.
  • Hits: 65

Page 1 of 88