News

News updates from the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development.

Kiribati Boosts Milkfish Population in Tarawa Lagoon with Significant Release

Recently, nearly 10,000 milkfish fries were successfully released into the Tarawa lagoon as part of an effort to restock and enhance the lagoon’s milkfish population. This release was carried out by the Secretary, Directors, Senior Officials, and Mr. Henry, a representative of the Zhejiang Ocean Family. The milkfish fries were spawned at the Fisheries hatchery and had been carefully farmed in the open lagoon for several months prior to their release.

This initiative is a strategic measure to bolster the population of milkfish in the lagoon, thereby supporting the growth of domestic fisheries and improving the livelihoods of the people of Tarawa. By enhancing the availability of milkfish, a key resource for local communities, the Government of Kiribati is taking proactive steps toward sustainable fisheries management and food security.

The Government of Kiribati extends its sincere gratitude to Mr. Shen, President of Zhejiang Ocean Family, China, and his team for their significant investment in this fish farming project. This initiative has been made possible through the Joint Venture Kiritimati Island Fisheries Limited (KILF), highlighting a successful collaboration between Kiribati and its international partners. Such partnerships are essential in fostering sustainable development and ensuring the resilience of local fisheries for the future.

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GeoScience Division Explores Key Resource Sites in North Tarawa to Advance KOIRAP Infrastructure Project

The GeoScience Division recently conducted a vital field mission in North Tarawa, focused on identifying potential mining sites for sand and aggregate. These materials are essential for the Kiribati Outer Island Resilient and Adaptation Project (KOIRAP), which aims to enhance water security and climate resilience through the construction of rainwater harvesting tanks in North Tarawa.

The mission brought together a team of five professionals from various government departments, including the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD), the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development (MFMRD), and the KOIRAP Financial and Safeguard Unit (KFSU). Their collaborative efforts are crucial for the successful implementation of this KOIRAP subproject.

Sponsored and catered by KOIRAP, the mission's success in identifying suitable resource sites marks significant progress in the project. These findings will directly support the construction of infrastructure designed to boost the resilience and sustainability of North Tarawa's communities.

This initiative reflects the government's commitment to sustainable development and climate adaptation in Kiribati's outer islands. As the project advances, the GeoScience Division will continue to provide expertise and support to ensure the success of KOIRAP's goals.

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Strengthening Community-Based Fisheries Management in Tabiteuea Meang

The Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) team recently completed a successful visit to Tabiteuea Meang from July 19th to 29th. The primary goal of the trip was to review and assess the fisheries management plans for the villages of Tekaman and Kabuna, initially established in late 2019. The team was inspired by the unwavering commitment of these communities to safeguarding their marine resources, with reports highlighting numerous positive changes that have motivated other villages in Tabiteuea Meang to join the CBFM program.

This visit also marked a significant milestone, as two additional communities, Tanaeang and Aiwa Islet, officially joined the CBFM program. In Tekaman, the team collaborated closely with the newly formed women's association, which aims to strengthen the role of women in fisheries management. The association is actively working to raise awareness among children, husbands, and household members, with discussions focused on developing new rules to support sustainable fishing practices and improve livelihoods.

The CBFM team extends its heartfelt gratitude to the communities of Tekaman, Tanaeang, Kabuna, and Aiwa for their warm hospitality during the visit. The opportunity to work together in reviewing and enhancing the fisheries management plans is deeply appreciated. The team looks forward to visiting other communities in Tabiteuea Meang that were not reached during this trip, with a commitment to reviewing and supporting the endorsement of their fisheries management plans under the Kiribati Fisheries Regulation 2019. This ensures that sustainable practices are formally recognized and supported.

The trip was made possible with the support of the Government of Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), and the Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program (PROP) Kiribati Project.

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Career Fair 2024: A Gateway to Future Success

At the Career Fair 2024, held on July 31 at the Sport Complex in Betio, high school students from Tarawa explored diverse career pathways offered by government ministries. Organized by MWYSSA and supported by UNICEF, the event featured the Ministry of Fisheries and other ministries. companies and stakeholders, all committed to shaping the future of students. The Ministry of Fisheries expressed gratitude to the organizers and UNICEF for making this event possible. The fair provided an invaluable opportunity for students to discover careers suited to their studies and interests. The presence of the Office of New Zealand and Australia added an international dimension, making this event a pivotal moment for students to envision their futures in public service.

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