The Government of Kiribati has taken a significant step forward in strengthening its national aquaculture sector, thanks to a productive and mutually beneficial partnership with the Government of Palau. On March 14, 2026, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) successfully imported 200 live Sandfish broodstock from Palau, a key achievement under the bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2025. This milestone was made possible through the strong commitment and cooperation of Palau’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment (MAFE). During a visit to Palau from March 6–14, a team from MFOR’s Coastal Fisheries Division, led by Director Mrs. Tooreka Teemari, worked closely with Palau’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquaculture Division to finalize the transfer. The mission included a courtesy meeting with the Honorable Steven Victor, Minister of MAFE, underscoring the high-level support for this collaboration.

The broodstock will now be quarantined and cultured at the Ambo Hatchery, supporting Kiribati’s goals in research, hatchery development, and restocking. In the longer term, the initiative aims to create livelihood opportunities for local communities through sandfish grow-out farming.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources extends its sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Palau for their partnership and friendship. Sulang Palau for your generous and brotherhood support. Special appreciation is also extended to KIFL for its continued support in advancing aquaculture development for the benefit of the people of Kiribati. This exchange marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership, paving the way for future collaboration in research, technical exchange, aquaculture and sustainable fisheries management between the two countries - Kiribati and Palau.