News

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

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CFD Kiritimati Takes Flight: Drones Boost Fisheries Surveillance Efforts

The Coastal Fisheries Division in Kiritimati is now equipped to operate four drones after completing a drone requirement from CAAK on the 7-14th May, 2025 for Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS). Thanks to a valuable partnership with the Ambleve Bedrock Foundation (ABF). With CAAK's approved permit, CFD can enhance monitoring on illegal fishing practices using drone technology. ABF also donated two laptops (with four more secured), data storage drives, and pledged ongoing support for MFOR Kiritimati through training and future initiatives. MFOR expresses sincere gratitude to ABF for their continued commitment to strengthening fisheries management in Kiritimati.

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MFOR Leads First Official SCUBA Tour with Renowned Diver Karin Sinniger

The SCUBA team from the Coastal Fisheries Division (CFD) recently embarked on an exhilarating underwater adventure with world-famous dive explorer Mrs. Karin Sinniger—an extraordinary diver who has explored underwater worlds in over 220 countries and territories, including our own, Kiribati.
The team guided Mrs. Sinniger through two breathtaking dive sites: the vibrant reef patch near Naa islet in North Tarawa, and a stunning shipwreck nestled beside the Bikemaan sandbank—an ideal nursery ground teeming with juvenile reef fish.This marks a proud milestone for the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), as it was our very first time leading an official SCUBA tour for international dive enthusiasts. Our CFD team is now ready and well-equipped to provide professional dive guidance for future visitors.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Terau Travel Kiribati for selecting MFOR and placing their trust in our team to ensure a safe and memorable experience. Special thanks go to our Dive Master, Taikate Teimarane, for capturing mesmerizing underwater moments, and to our motorman, Naatau Ionatu, for snapping great photos from onboard, and finally thanks to our Advanced SCUBA diver Bwebwetaake Uan for accompanying the team making this trip a success!!
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EU Ambassador Visits MFOR to Strengthen Fisheries Partnership with Kiribati

EU Ambassador to the Pacific Her Excellency Ms. Barbara Plinkert and her First Counsellor Ms Anna Marie Madeleine make a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources on Tuesday 13th March. During their visit they met with the Officer in Charge Ms Teue Baikarawa, and two officials, Kobure Norman and Tabuki Teoraata. They discussed how EU can continue to support fisheries strategic actions and priorities through mutual partnership and cooperation. The meeting also discussed and update HE on the EU recent supports where Kiribati through MFOR is receiving EUR 400K annually. The construction of the Coastal Fisheries Maneaba and installation of fish vending units are two major activities supported under this project. Other areas highlighted in the discussion includes the Launching of the Pacific EU Marine Partnership in August 2025, the Economic Partnership Agreement and the EU information sharing system called IORIS (Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing Platform).
The OIC, Ms. Teue, appreciated the presence of Ambassador Barbara and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet with her in the absence of the Honourable Minister and Secretary. The OIC thanked EU for their continuous supports and for being one of their long fishing partners which has significant contributions to the economic development of Kiribati.
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MFOR Gathers Vital Data to Support Sustainable Fisheries in the South Gilberts

Tabiteuea South is an island in the Southern Gilbert group with variety of coastal fisheries. During a recent visit by three Fisheries Officers from the Research and Monitoring Unit of MFOR, creel surveys and interviews with local fishermen were conducted. Preliminary findings from these interviews revealed signs of depletion and a reduction in the size of some coastal fishery resources. Collecting this data is important for the Ministry, as it provides baseline information that can support better management and sustainable use of coastal fisheries, not only on Tabiteuea South but across other islands as well. The team spent one week on the island (27th April – 4th May) and greatly appreciates the ongoing generous support from the PROP project.

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