As part of the ciguatera monitoring program that has been conducted in Abaiang & Kuria islands, four officers from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) are on Maiana Island conducting reef fish sampling and community surveys.

Maiana was selected for its abundant reef fish stocks, which not only attract local fishermen from nearby islands but also supply Central Pacific Producers Ltd (CPPL). Over the course of three days, the team collaborated with local fishermen from Tebikerai, Bubutei, and Tebwangetua to collect samples from 12 fishing grounds for ciguatoxin testing. The coordinates of these locations were recorded to map safe and potentially unsafe fishing areas based on the test results. In addition to sampling, the team conducted a questionnaire survey to gather local knowledge about ciguatera. This effort aims to improve risk assessments and future safety measures.

We thank the Maiana Island Council for logistical support and the local fishermen for their guidance and participation. This activity is supported by the World Bank-funded PROP project.