News

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

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Successful Maiana Awareness Mission Supported by TWP Enhances Fisheries Knowledge

The team from MFOR just returned from Maiana Island on the 5th December, after conducting a comprehensive community awareness program. The team comprises of two officers from SVD, one from PDD and one from CFD. The purpose of the mission is to equip and strengthen local fishermen and fish vendor’s knowledge on seafood safety, fisheries management, and market access requirements.
The awareness sessions were delivered to all 12 villages on Maiana Island and covered key topics on proper fish handling, fish supply cold chain management, market access requirements, business strategies, and core principles that support sustainable fishing, improved livelihoods, enhanced economic opportunities, and better public health outcomes.
The team expresses their sincere appreciation to the Mayor, Clerk, and Councillors of Maiana Island for their invaluable support in facilitating the mission. Our heartfelt appreciation is also extended to MFAT through Tobwaan Wara Programme (TWP) for funding this activity. Their generous support was instrumental in the successful implementation of this important initiative.
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MFOR Completes Major Upgrade of Nonouti Mini Hatchery

The team from MFOR together with their consultant recently came back from the Island of Nonouti after a 2 week renovation and upgrading mission. The mission which was part of the program funded under the EU Fisheries sector aimed in restoring key structures of the existing mini hatchery and improving essential systems to support a smooth and effective operation of the facility.
The mini hatchery is a very complex facility aimed at spawning marine species under a controlled environment and for sustainable farming in the sea. This project, aimed in producing artificial seedlings will help promoting livelihoods and sustainable fisheries by generating additional incomes to locals with minimal pressure on fisheries wild stock.
The people of Nonouti will benefit from this mini hatchery when fully operational in the future, in close collaboration with MFOR, through farming and exporting of marine species such as giant clams (Tridacna maxima), and hopefully other species in the future.
The MFOR extend its gratitude to the European Union Fisheries Sector Support for making this project a reality.
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Sustainable Tuna Future Secured as WCPFC22 Adopts SPA Management Procedure

The 22nd Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22) regular summit in Manila, Philippines, from 1-5 December 2024, closed its long week of meetings on a high note. Adoption of the Management Procedure for the South Pacific Albacore (or SPA MP) tuna species is the highlight of this year’s gathering. Conclusion to the long debate in the management of this important tuna species through the harvest strategy framework reinforces the WCPFC as one of the leading regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) in managing tuna fisheries. Success of this year’s meeting culminates the result of hard work, dedication, and commitment to shared goals toward sustainable fisheries, compounded by the compromise of the entire Commission membership. For Kiribati, the SPA is mainly found in the southern Line Islands; therefore, adoption of the SPA MP would lay the foundation for future work to ensure long-term sustainability of this resource. As PNA Chair, Kiribati chaired PNA preparatory meeting to the WCPFC22 including the PNA Special meeting (SPNA83). In addition, the team also had the chance to meet and renew bilateral fishing agreements with distant water fishing nations at the margin of the plenary. These deals are critical to the Government revenue in 2026. MFOR is represented through these meetings, including PNA and FFA prep meetings, by four OFD senior officials. The Government of Kiribati acknowledged the host country, co-host Canada, the WCPFC, FFA, and the PNAO for the support throughout the meeting and wishes everyone a happy festive season.

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KMSPCC Showcases GIS Innovations at 2025 Pacific GIS & Remote Sensing Conference

Kiribati Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC), led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), participated in the Pacific GIS & Remote Sensing Conference held in Suva, Fiji from 24th to 28th November. The Committee was proudly represented by Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs, Ministry of Environments, Lands and Agricultural Development and the Office of the Attorney General.
This annual conference marks the Committee’s second participation, aligning with this year’s theme, “Building and Enhancing Geospatial Networks in the Pacific.” The event brought together geospatial leaders, practitioners, researchers, and regional partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and emphasis the essential role of GIS and Remote Sensing in supporting sustainable development across the region.
The conference provided an excellent platform for the KMSPCC to showcase the use of GIS in Marine Spatial Planning implementation, expand regional networks, enhance capacity, and bring home valuable insights that will benefit communities and further strengthen Kiribati’s national geospatial efforts.
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