News

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

Written by MFOR Media on .

Safeguarding Seafood: Makin Island Surveys Target Ciguatera and Marine Pollution

A team of three staff from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources is currently on Makin Island conducting ciguatera fish sampling, following the successful completion of similar activities in Kuria, Maiana, and Abaiang. Alongside this, heavy metal fish sampling is also being undertaken to gather vital data on the island’s marine pollution levels.
While Makin Island is rich in marine resources, its history of ciguatera outbreaks in certain fishing grounds has become a growing concern for the community regarding seafood safety. Therefore, the team work in collaboration with the island council, the community from Kiebu Islet, and local fishermen, to understand valuable information of the Island's fishing areas and known ciguatera sites. This significantly assisted in fish sampling from key fishing grounds, primarily on Kiebu Islet, Onne Islet, and Makin’s main island.
These sampling sites were mapped to distinguish known ciguatera-affected areas from non-ciguatera areas, with final classification based on laboratory analysis. As the samples will be sent to the Cawthron Laboratory in New Zealand to obtain raw data on ciguatera and marine pollution in Makin Island. Informing future mitigation and management strategies of this major alarming concerns on seafood hazard.
The Ministry sincerely thanks the island council, fishermen, and the community from Kiebu Islet for their kind cooperation and support, and acknowledges the World Bank, through the PROP programme, for funding this relevant activity.'
  • Hits: 278

Written by MFOR Media on .

Kiribati Represents in Global Women’s Oceanographic Training Programme

The WOMBlue oceanographic cruise launched from Civitavecchia on August 1st aboard Italy's CNR research vessel Gaia Blu, hosting seven international women scientists selected from the "Marine Geology Advanced School." This hands-on training expedition, part of the "Women in Blue" initiative funded by the International Seabed Authority, focuses on empowering women from developing countries in deep-sea research.
Participants, including a scientist from Kiribati, are learning advanced techniques for marine geophysical data acquisition, water column analysis, and environmental DNA sampling. Under CNR-Ismar supervision, they're exploring geological processes and biodiversity distribution around seamounts in the northern Tyrrhenian Sea until August 7th. This groundbreaking program promotes gender equality in marine sciences while building international research networks and professional opportunities for talented women oceanographers.
MFOR acknowledges the International Seabed Authority and all stakeholders for providing this invaluable opportunity to advance women's participation in ocean science research.
  • Hits: 245

Written by MFOR Media on .

Pet Fish Operators in Kiritimati Equipped with Sustainable Harvesting Skills

From 1–3 August 2025, consultant Being Yeeting, at the request of MFOR’s Coastal Fisheries Division, conducted a specialized training in Kiritimati for pet fish operators, divers, and packing staff, focusing on elevating the standards of the island’s marine aquarium trade. Over three days, participants gained hands-on knowledge in sustainable harvesting techniques, methods to minimize stress and mortality during capture, and safe transportation and export procedures to ensure fish arrive in pristine condition.
The training also explored the benefits and challenges of land-based versus ocean-based holding facilities, enabling operators to make informed choices for quality and efficiency. These improved practices aim to not only protect Kiritimati’s vibrant marine biodiversity but also increase the commercial value of its pet fish in competitive international markets.
A comprehensive training manual will soon be provided, serving as a lasting guide for operators to consistently apply best practices. MFOR warmly acknowledges the World Bank through the PROP Project for funding this initiative, and extends sincere thanks to Consultant Being Yeeting for sharing his invaluable expertise and skills that will shape the future of Kiritimati’s pet fish industry.
  • Hits: 256

Written by MFOR Media on .

Kiribati Leaders Join PEUMP Steering Committee Meeting and Ocean Dialogue in Suva

The PEUMP Project Steering Committee Meeting and Ocean Dialogue, which took place in Suva, Fiji, on August 5-6, 2025, was attended by three senior officers from Kiribati: Mrs Kabure Yeeting, Director of the Geoscience Division; Mrs Tooreka Teemari, Director of the Coastal Fisheries Division; and Mrs Nenenteiti Teariki, Director of the Environment and Conservation Division under the MELAD. The preservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of fisheries and other marine resources are the primary objectives of the Pacific-European Marine Partnership (PEUMP) program, which also promotes responsible ocean and coastal governance. The purpose of the meeting is to review and discuss the progress of each implementing agency, including the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Island Fisheries Forum Agency (FFA), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP), and the University of the South Pacific (USP), in relation to their respective Key Result Areas of the project. The PEUMP PSC Meeting also marks the end of the project and the start of its second phase. To guarantee that the second phase of the PEUMP Programme reflects the national priorities that were identified in the previous PEUMP PSC, additional consultations will be conducted to affirm these priorities.

  • Hits: 263

More Articles …

Page 15 of 58