News

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

MFOR Boosts Awareness and Training on Fisheries Laws Across North Tarawa

From June 30-July 9, the MFOR team from Coastal Fisheries Division visited 9 villages and 3 islets across North Tarawa to promote awareness of Kiribati Fisheries Regulation 2019 and conduct Training of Trainers sessions on fisheries management with local educators. This Ridge to Reef (R2R) funded initiative engaged community leaders who expressed concerns about illegal fishing by external operators and requested stronger enforcement support to safeguard traditional fishing grounds and marine biodiversity. The comprehensive outreach program strengthened partnerships between government agencies and local communities, fostering sustainable fisheries practices. The MFOR team thanks village leaders, teachers, and community members for their warm hospitality and active participation in protecting marine resources through collaborative conservation efforts.

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From Kiribati to Okinawa: Strengthening Sustainable Fisheries Through Training

One staff member from the Coastal Fisheries Division under the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), has successfully completed a 2-month training in Okinawa, Japan, from 16 June to 1 August 2025. The training was hosted at the Okinawa International Center in collaboration with the Okinawa Leading Professional Fishers Association and Ryukyu Environmental Management Service Co. Ltd., and generously funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The training focused on the Sustainable Use of Fisheries Resources through Diversification of Fisheries-Based Livelihoods in Island Countries, and brought together participants from Kiribati, Timor-Leste, Pohnpei (FSM), Solomon Islands, and Eritrea.
The program included visits to fisheries cooperatives, aquaculture projects, local cage farming initiatives, coral restoration sites, sea grape farms, and tuna processing operations. These hands-on learning opportunities highlighted innovative strategies to address declining fish stocks, support fisher incomes, and strengthen community resilience.
MFOR acknowledges and sincerely thanks JICA for its continued support in building regional fisheries capacity and empowering island nations like Kiribati.
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Strengthening Kiribati- Singapore Ties

On Tuesday, 29th July 2025, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) had the honour of welcoming H.E. Mary Seet-Cheng, Singapore Ambassador to the Pacific Islands, for a courtesy visit and strategic dialogue on strengthening cooperation between Kiribati and Singapore. The meeting covered a wide range of key issues, including Licensing Fees, Deep Sea Mining, Fisheries Exports, Revenue Streams, and sustainable income-generating initiatives in Kiribati. A major highlight was Singapore’s expressed commitment to support workforce development through targeted training and capacity-building programs for MFOR staff. The Ambassador also shared Singapore’s success and innovative maritime practices, offering valuable insights for future collaboration. During her visit, H.E. Seet-Cheng met with OIC Deputy Secretary Tieri Tamoa, Deputy Secretary Teue Baikarawa, and Director Tereere Tioti. MFOR sincerely thanks the Government of Singapore for this important engagement and looks forward to a growing and impactful partnership.

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New Sportfishing Measures Take Shape in Kiritimati Workshop

From 16–23 July 2025, Professor Andrew Danylchuk, in partnership with Ambleve Bedrock Foundation and the Kiritimati Fisheries Sub-division, conducted a comprehensive workshop to strengthen sportfishing and conservation efforts on Kiritimati Island. The initiative aimed to build mutual understanding between fishing guides and Fisheries Officers, focusing on the protection of bonefish and promoting sustainable catch-and-release practices. Awareness posters on safe fish handling were installed at airports, hotels, and popular fishing spots to educate tourist anglers. The workshop, held at Ikari House, Sunset Hotel, Village Hotel, and Christmas Island Lodge, also emphasized developing effective management measures for giant trevally. Future plans include a monitoring program where guides will record fish lengths, funding ID cards for guides to assist in joint enforcement of bonefish and fisheries regulations, night operations to combat illegal fishing, and drone-assisted surveillance with support from CAAK permits (August–December 2025). This initiative marks a critical step towards ensuring both sustainable tourism and marine conservation on Kiritimati.

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