Written by MFOR Media on 17 February 2025.
Another milestone is achieved today with the launch of a new MFOR Seafood Toxicology laboratory Division and newly recruited Director and Specialists. The new team was welcomed by Secretary Riibeta Abeta, the management team and Project Manager of PROP who provided funding for this new division. This welcome also marked the closing of an induction training of our new Seafood Toxicology Lab staff today conducted by Director of Kiribati Seafood Verification Division and her team. The induction training covered topics on regulatory frameworks, safe and quality seafood products, certification processes, among other things. The establishment of this new laboratory division dedicated for the Ministry will expand future ambitions of the government to strengthen hygiene and standards for our exported products, the needed seawater quality monitoring, extracting compounds relevant for value-added and pharmaceutical products for potential export in the future. The MFOR warmly welcomed new lab staff and acknowledged the World Bank PROP for the financial support provided to this new venture.
The team from Coastal Fisheries Division, MFOR and their counterpart technical experts from the OFCF visited Kiritimati Island to carry out important missions which include, repair of the existing workshops, ice machines, FAD fabrication and deployment, fishing technologies, training of local mechanics, fishermen, and MFOR staff stationed in Kiritimati. This program is part of the OFCF FDAPIN program which provided financial and technical assistance to Kiribati. The MFOR acknowledges the support of the World Bank through PROP Kiribati Project and Japan OFCF for their on-going program which benefited the local communities working in the fishing sector.
Officers of the Oceanic Fisheries Division, Kiribati Observer Program Coordinators attended the the PNA Compliance Case Register Workshop in Majuro from 10-12 February 2025. This gathering was designed to enhance the PNA observers’ skills in monitoring and managing compliance cases. This is critical to ensure strict management of the tuna resource of our waters, including monitoring potential harmful impacts from the fishing vessels operations. This gathering also trained Observer Program Coordinators with sustainable fisheries practices, improving data-driven decision-making and ensuring regional cooperation in safeguarding marine resources with other PNA Countries. Our participation reinforces Kiribati’s commitment to effective fisheries governance within the PNA framework. The Ministry of Fisheries & Ocean Resources (MFOR) acknowledge the PNA Secretariat for its ongoing engagement and support to its members.
The Government of Kiribati, through MFOR are discussing the future development plans of the Tarawa Shipyard Company, an independent company owned by Silla – Korean fishing company and another Philippine based company specialized in shipyard operations. The team from MFOR led by Secretary Riibeta Abeta met Daniel Lee, a representative from Silla and a representative from Tarawa Shipyard and exchanged business plans and ideas for this company. Currently, there is no fully functional shipyard/slipway services in Kiribati, except this company, therefore there is high potential of the Tarawa Shipyard company in the future to provide critical repair and maintenance services to fishing vessels and domestic ferries and boats in Kiribati. The MFOR acknowledged Silla for the continuing interest in this sector.
Page 12 of 28