News

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

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KSVA Evaluates Tamana Fish Centre Progress

The Kiribati Seafood Verification Agency (KSVA), recently conducted a follow-up Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) visit to the Fish Centre on Tamana Island under the Tobwaan Waara Project (TWP).
This visit builds on the previous M&E conducted last year, with the objective of assessing progress made since the installation of the water treatment system at the Tamana Fish Centre. The visit evaluated the systemโ€™s current functionality, its impact on fish centre operations, and the effectiveness of the training activities previously delivered.
As part of the follow-up process, consultations and questionnaires were conducted with fishermen, Fish Centre Committee members, and community participants to gather feedback, measure progress, and identify any remaining gaps or operational challenges.
MFOR extends its sincere appreciation to the Tamana Council, the Fish Centre Committee, and the wider Tamana community for their continued support, cooperation, and warm hospitality. Their ongoing partnership is essential in ensuring the sustainability and success of these initiatives.
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First Seagrass Survey Strengthens Blue Carbon Knowledge

On 2 April 2026, the Coastal Fisheries Division conducted its first quantitative seagrass survey in the Nanikaai Marine Protected Area under the technical supervision of Dr. Satoshi Ohasi of OFCF. Five teams, comprising Coastal Fisheries Division staff and Nanikaai community representatives, collected 34 seagrass samples using random-quadrat sampling techniques. The samples were cleaned, sorted, and weighed to determine biomass and improve understanding of the carbon storage potential of the seagrass habitat.
This work supports ongoing efforts to quantify Thalassia hemprichii biomass and assess the blue carbon value of the area. The findings will help guide science-based management of the Nanikaai Marine Protected Area by strengthening knowledge of seagrass carbon storage and informing future conservation and monitoring efforts.
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Kiritimati Socioeconomic Survey Completed Successfully

The Fisheries Team from the Statistics Unit of the Coastal Fisheries Division successfully implemented a comprehensive socioeconomic survey on Kiritimati Atoll. The survey was conducted from the 16th of March, 2026 to the 02nd of April, 2026. The purpose of this survey was to better understand the livelihoods and local fishing practices, contributing to the update of socioeconomic data.
The team achieved a coverage of 30% of households per village, based on the 2020 Population Census. The survey was conducted across the main villages on Kiritimati, including Poland, Banana, Tabwakea, and Ronton.
The Ministry and the Coastal Fisheries Division team extend their sincere gratitude to PROP for funding and supporting this activity.
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Strengthening Fisheries Enforcement in Tabuaeran and Teraina

The Coastal Fisheries Kiritimati Sub-division is pleased to announce the successful completion of a comprehensive training program conducted for Special Police Officers and Village Wardens from Tabuaeran and Teraina Islands. This initiative focused on strengthening participantsโ€™ knowledge and practical skills in key areas including fisheries regulations, field inspection procedures, evidence collection, and effective case file management.
The training aimed to enhance local enforcement capacity through interactive sessions and practical exercises. Participants gained valuable insights into the legal frameworks governing fisheries, as well as the standard protocols required for conducting inspections and handling violations in a professional and accountable manner.
In addition to the training, the team carried out community awareness activities across villages, emphasizing the importance of compliance with fisheries regulations. These outreach efforts highlighted the potential penalties and fines associated with non-compliance, reinforcing the shared responsibility of protecting marine ecosystems for present and future generations.
This activity was made possible with the support of PROP, whose contribution continues to play a vital role in strengthening fisheries governance and community engagement across Kiribati.
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