News

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

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Advancing Ocean Climate Science for Kiribati’s Fisheries

SPREP representatives Ms. Patricia Mallon and Mr. Sunny Seueu recently met with Secretary Riibeta Abeta from Kiribati's Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) to discuss the next phase of an innovative ocean climate science data project for Kiribati. The project, which involves deploying new ocean buoys, is being implemented by the Kiribati Meteorological Service (KMS, OB) in close partnership with MFOR. Its goal is to provide tailored climate and ocean information to marine sector users, including fishing communities, developers, mariculture farmers, and others who depend on coastal fisheries. The buoys will soon be deployed at selected sites across Kiribati. They are supported by a cloud-based modeling platform, funded through the ClimSA project and the European Union, and executed by SPREP. This initiative will deliver real-time scientific data on ocean behavior and its potential impacts on fisheries, helping to inform planning and decision-making. MFOR has pledged its full support for the project and acknowledged SPREP and the Kiribati Meteorological Service for their continued collaboration. 

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Kiribati Advances Seabed Minerals Governance with First Committe Meeting

On 19th March 2026, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), through its Geoscience Division, convened the first meeting of the Kiribati Seabed Minerals Technical Advisory Committee (KISMTAC) for 2026. The meeting brought together members to review progress on seabed mineral (SBM) activities in the Area (Clarion Clipperton Zone) and Kiribati’s sponsorship arrangements.⁣
Discussions provided an overview of the Seabed Minerals Act 2017, the national sponsorship framework and processes, updates on Kiribati’s sponsored contractor, Marawa Research and Exploration Limited (MREL), and advisory notes from the Commonwealth Secretariat.⁣
A key focus of the consultation was the Draft Sponsorship Regulation, with particular emphasis on Kiribati’s responsibilities as a sponsoring State under the International Seabed Authority (ISA) framework and national legislation. This includes ensuring effective oversight and compliance by sponsored contractors, as well as establishing and implementing a transparent and robust fiscal regime—particularly sponsorship fees—consistent with the Seabed Minerals Act 2017 and the broader national regulatory framework.⁣
Outcomes from the meeting will inform the finalization of the Draft Sponsorship Regulation and further strengthen Kiribati’s governance, accountability, and stewardship of seabed mineral activities in the Area.
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𝐊𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐢 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠⁣

On 19th March 2026, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), through its Geoscience Division, convened the first meeting of the Kiribati Seabed Minerals Technical Advisory Committee (KISMTAC) for 2026. The meeting brought together members to review progress on seabed mineral (SBM) activities in the Area (Clarion Clipperton Zone) and Kiribati’s sponsorship arrangements.⁣
Discussions provided an overview of the Seabed Minerals Act 2017, the national sponsorship framework and processes, updates on Kiribati’s sponsored contractor, Marawa Research and Exploration Limited (MREL), and advisory notes from the Commonwealth Secretariat.⁣
A key focus of the consultation was the Draft Sponsorship Regulation, with particular emphasis on Kiribati’s responsibilities as a sponsoring State under the International Seabed Authority (ISA) framework and national legislation. This includes ensuring effective oversight and compliance by sponsored contractors, as well as establishing and implementing a transparent and robust fiscal regime—particularly sponsorship fees—consistent with the Seabed Minerals Act 2017 and the broader national regulatory framework.⁣
Outcomes from the meeting will inform the finalization of the Draft Sponsorship Regulation and further strengthen Kiribati’s governance, accountability, and stewardship of seabed mineral activities in the Area.
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MFOR Hosts 2026 Forum to Strengthen Global Ocean Partnerships

We are proud to announce the Fisheries and Ocean Development Partners Forum 2026 – a high-level platform bringing together the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) with our valued partners from across the globe.⁣
This milestone event is about more than just dialogue; it’s about action. We will be officially launching the visionary 𝐀𝐫𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 – 𝐊𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐢 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔–𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟏, presenting the 𝐌𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, and 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫.⁣
Our goal is to strengthen the partnerships that are vital to sustainable ocean management. We will celebrate our collective achievements, address current challenges, and—most importantly—secure concrete commitments and pledges to develop critical fisheries infrastructure that will enhance service delivery and operational efficiency for generations to come.⁣
🤝 To our donor countries, fishing industry stakeholders, private sector, and regional organizations: your support has been instrumental. Now, we invite you to join us at the Forum to explore new areas of cooperation, align our priorities, and reinforce our shared commitment to the sustainable development of Kiribati’s fisheries.⁣
Together, we can ensure the long-term health and prosperity of our ocean resources. Stay tuned for more updates!⁣

CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION, OCEANIC FISHERIES DIVISION

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