News

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

Kiribati Joins Global Effort to Protect the High Seas

Kiribati has officially cemented its role as a leading global ocean steward by ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement on December 9, 2025, becoming the 76th Member State to join this landmark global effort.
The instrument of ratification was signed by His Excellency, Taneti Maamau, and the deposit was formally concluded during a ceremony at the United Nations Treaty Section in New York by the Acting Ambassador to the Kiribati United Nations Mission, Mrs. Josephine Moote, on behalf of the Government and the Chief of the Treaty Section, Mr. David. Nanoupoulous. This crucial step followed a comprehensive stakeholder review and consideration process by the Kiribati National Ocean Coordinating Committee held in September 2025.
The BBNJ Agreement, established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), focuses on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. For Kiribati, a nation whose vast territory is defined by the ocean and surrounded by the high seas, this ratification carries profound significance for national security and prosperity.
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MFOR and FAO Empower Women and Youth Through Tuna Processing Training

Coastal Fisheries Division, with FAO, conducted a three-day training program for women and youth on tuna processing from November 26 to 28 and December 3 to 5 at the Eco Farm. The purpose of the program was to enhance participants’ knowledge of the tuna value chain, including important aspects of hygienic handling, food safety systems, and basic business practices related to tuna products.
During the training, participants gained practical experience in producing various value-added tuna products, including tuna jerky, tuna sausage, and tuna samosas. This hands-on component equipped women and youth with essential skills to explore income-earning opportunities, contribute to local economic growth, and strengthen their capacity for small-scale food processing businesses.
MFOR extends it acknowledgement to FAO and the Republic of Korea for funding this important training.
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Fisheries Officers Return from China After Advanced Training on Fisheries Innovation

Three fisheries officers have successfully returned from Guangdong, China, following their participation in a specialised fisheries training program tailored for Pacific Island Countries. The program provided an in-depth overview of China’s advanced and innovative technologies in fisheries management, aquaculture development, resource conservation, and related technical fields.
The primary objectives of the training were to enhance the professional capacities of participating officers, promote the sustainable utilisation of fisheries resources, support the advancement of the blue economy, and strengthen practical cooperation between China and Pacific Island nations under the Belt and Road Initiative.
The training was conducted from 17 November to 6 December 2025 and was fully funded by Guangdong Eco-Engineering Polytechnic.
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Kiribati and China Deepen Cooperation in Fisheries, Tourism, and Agriculture

The Honourable Vice President Dr. Teuea Toatu led a high-level delegation from the Government of Kiribati to China from 6th to 16th December 2025. The delegation included Honourable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau, Honourable Minister Tangariki Reete, Honourable Minister Tokaibure Rabaua, Ambassador David Teabo, Secretary Riibeta Abeta, Secretary Koin-Uriam Kiritione, Secretary Ruui Tabutoa, Deputy Secretary Kaateti Toto, First Secretary Ioana Taakau; and was accompanied by KFL CEO Mr. Changhong Li and Golden Ocean Limited Managing Director Mr. Du Xe Jun.
The visit was highly successful, resulting in the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for fisheries cooperation with leading Chinese companies, the deepening of commitments for hotel and tourism investments, and the forging of new partnerships for agricultural development in Kiribati. These efforts included building relationships with provincial-level governments, specifically meeting with Mayor of Zhoushan City and Shenzhen City.
The Government of Kiribati wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Government of China for the high-level welcome, reception, and hospitality extended to Honourable Vice President Dr. Teuea Toatu and his delegation.
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