Written by MFOR Media on 24 June 2025.
On Saturday 21 June 2025, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) marked a significant milestone with the official opening of the new Coastal Fisheries Division (CFD) prefab office in Ambo. The event was part of MFOR’s 100 Days Priority Plan, which concludes on 26 June, and was attended by representatives from the New Zealand High Commission, the Governments of Australia and China, members of Parliament, and MFOR staff. The new building was blessed by Vica General Father Kanoua Iotebwa of the Catholic Church, marking a spiritual beginning for its use. In his remarks, Hon. Minister Ribanataake Tiwau echoed the words of author Sheryl Sandberg: “Done is better than perfect,” emphasizing the importance of action and delivery. MFOR sincerely thanks the Government of New Zealand, China, the contractors, our dedicated staff, and all stakeholders for their support throughout the building process.
Three officers from the Oceanic Fisheries Division attended a regional workshop held at Ela Beach Hotel, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea this week. The one-week workshop, commencing from the 16th of June 2025 and organized by the Forum Fisheries Agency, focuses on enhancements to the electronic Port States Measures (e-PSM) system, reviewing and finalizing the Catch Documentation Scheme, and finalizing the 2024-2029 FFA Regional MCS Strategy Dashboard. The 3 participants from the Oceanic Fisheries Division gained valuable knowledge and skills that will support the division’s ongoing work on MCS, particularly in strengthening national efforts to eliminate IUU activities through the use of these valuable systems. Thanks to Forum Fisheries Agency and European Union for funding assistance allowing the 3 officers to effectively participate in the workshop.
A successful Close-Kin Mark-Recapture (CKMR) training was held from June 16-20, 2025, in Tarawa and organized by the Pacific Community (SPC). The training was attended by 10 trainees - including 8 Observer Debriefers from Kiribati, 1 from Marshall Islands, and 1 from Nauru. The training is the first of its kind to be held in Tarawa and would enhance the capability and expertise of our national observers in tuna stock population estimation and conservation efforts in the tuna fishery, to which we all depend upon for our livelihood and economic sustenance. The Ministry of Fisheries & Ocean Resources (MFOR), through Oceanic Fisheries Division (OFD), highly acknowledged the support and contribution by SPC and the trainers in conducting and successfully completing this training.
The mini hatchery on Maiana Island is now up and running following the successful completion of restoration work and a giant clam (Tridacna maxima) seed production training. This initiative, the first of its kind on Maiana, aims to engage local communities in sustainable aquaculture practices. It was made possible through the combined efforts of the MFOR team from the Aquaculture Unit, the Island Council, and support from a local consultant. The training focused on broodstock management, spawning, and juvenile care, aiming to strengthen local skills to carry out aquaculture activities on their own. The project is now overseen by the Fisheries Assistant and the Island Council in Maiana.The project is expected to bring long-term benefits such as income generation through marine resource exports, maximizing the use of local marine species, creating job opportunities, and improving the management of marine resources. It also empowers communities to take part in conservation efforts while building resilient livelihoods through responsible aquaculture and local market participation. Participants included the Fisheries Assistant, community leaders, and youths from various villages on Maiana Island. Continued support and regular monitoring will be key to ensuring the long-term success and expansion of this EU-funded initiative.
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