Written by MFOR Media on 12 September 2025.
Following the successful activities in Kuria, Maiana, Abaiang, and Makin, the MFOR team visited Butaritari from 3 to 10 September to carry out fish sampling. Butaritari was chosen because of its rich reef fish resources, which communities rely on for subsistence living and income generation. With the help of local fishermen from Bikaati, Keuea, Ukiangang, and Onomwaru villages, the team was able to map out 20 fishing grounds across the island and collect 89 reef fish samples. These samples will be sent to Cawthron Laboratory in New Zealand for ciguatera testing, to obtain more insight into fishing areas and species prone to ciguatera toxin, and to assist in decision-making, especially in protecting public health. The Island Mayor mentioned that fishermen already know some fishing areas susceptible to ciguatoxic, but no confirmed analytical results are available. This work will provide an excellent opportunity to obtain scientific data to support the community's seafood safety and strengthen domestic trading opportunities from Butaritari. The team is grateful and acknowledges the support of the Mayor from Butaritari, including the executive team from MFOR, and the World Bank through the PROP project in making this mission successful.
Written by MFOR Media on 10 September 2025.
A new partnership between Kiribati and Solomon Island was signed in Funafuti, Tuvalu to collaborate together on the Bina Harbour and Tuna Processing Project. MFOR thanked the Government of the Solomon Islands for their trust in Kiribati to become one of their partners in this new exciting project.
Written by MFOR Media on 08 September 2025.
The Leaders of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement, which includes FSM, Kiribati, RMI, Nauru, Palau, PNG, Solomon Is, Tuvalu and Tokelau, were gathered in Funafuti, Tuvalu from 1-5 September 2025, for their 4th PNA Leaders’ summit. The core objective of this high-level gathering was to dialogue on strategic ways to progress their collective interests of maximising more benefits from their tuna fisheries. PNA is the largest and healthiest tuna reserve and supplier to the world, but most of the value of this largest tuna resource is not retained in the PNA countries but shipped off to major economies. This is the main subject of the Leaders’ dialogue in Funafuti, which was framed under the theme of the summit, "Our shared path to sustainable development and full control of tuna fisheries". This year, PNA Leaders’ summit landed on several exciting initiatives and decisions which are all reflected in the Funafuti Communique - outcome of the summit. The PNA Leaders were reminded by a courageous boy named, Reuben K Uatioa - a 10 year old boy , half Tuvalu and half Kiribati; on the need to preserve and save the ocean for the future generations. As an active member of the PNA, Kiribati undertook the following key roles during this meeting, His Excellency President Taneti Maamau handed over the chairmanship paddle to the incoming chair and host, the Honourable Prime Minister Feleti Teo; the Honourable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau chaired the Pre-Ministers meeting and Secretary Riibeta Abeta chaired the Pre-Officials meeting leading up to the main 4th PNA Leaders' summit. Another milestone achieved during this meeting was the signing of the MoU between the Government of Kiribati and the Government of the Solomon Islands to collaborate on the commericalization of the Solomon Island Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project. Kiribati also contributed proactively in the discussions through specific proposal to explore alternative options to diversify the PNA's efforts in the tuna value chain processes. The MFOR together with the Office of Te Beretitenti (OB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) team acknowledges the Tuvalu Fisheries Authority (TFA), their organising committee and the community of Tuvalu for a splendid hosting and organisation of the successful 4th PNA Leaders’ summit.
Written by MFOR Media on 04 September 2025.
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