Written by MFOR Media on 24 June 2025.
Three officers from the Oceanic Fisheries Division attended a regional workshop held at Ela Beach Hotel, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea this week. The one-week workshop, commencing from the 16th of June 2025 and organized by the Forum Fisheries Agency, focuses on enhancements to the electronic Port States Measures (e-PSM) system, reviewing and finalizing the Catch Documentation Scheme, and finalizing the 2024-2029 FFA Regional MCS Strategy Dashboard. The 3 participants from the Oceanic Fisheries Division gained valuable knowledge and skills that will support the division’s ongoing work on MCS, particularly in strengthening national efforts to eliminate IUU activities through the use of these valuable systems. Thanks to Forum Fisheries Agency and European Union for funding assistance allowing the 3 officers to effectively participate in the workshop.
A successful Close-Kin Mark-Recapture (CKMR) training was held from June 16-20, 2025, in Tarawa and organized by the Pacific Community (SPC). The training was attended by 10 trainees - including 8 Observer Debriefers from Kiribati, 1 from Marshall Islands, and 1 from Nauru. The training is the first of its kind to be held in Tarawa and would enhance the capability and expertise of our national observers in tuna stock population estimation and conservation efforts in the tuna fishery, to which we all depend upon for our livelihood and economic sustenance. The Ministry of Fisheries & Ocean Resources (MFOR), through Oceanic Fisheries Division (OFD), highly acknowledged the support and contribution by SPC and the trainers in conducting and successfully completing this training.
The mini hatchery on Maiana Island is now up and running following the successful completion of restoration work and a giant clam (Tridacna maxima) seed production training. This initiative, the first of its kind on Maiana, aims to engage local communities in sustainable aquaculture practices. It was made possible through the combined efforts of the MFOR team from the Aquaculture Unit, the Island Council, and support from a local consultant. The training focused on broodstock management, spawning, and juvenile care, aiming to strengthen local skills to carry out aquaculture activities on their own. The project is now overseen by the Fisheries Assistant and the Island Council in Maiana.The project is expected to bring long-term benefits such as income generation through marine resource exports, maximizing the use of local marine species, creating job opportunities, and improving the management of marine resources. It also empowers communities to take part in conservation efforts while building resilient livelihoods through responsible aquaculture and local market participation. Participants included the Fisheries Assistant, community leaders, and youths from various villages on Maiana Island. Continued support and regular monitoring will be key to ensuring the long-term success and expansion of this EU-funded initiative.
After a one-week field assessment, the team consisted of three evaluators; MFOR officer from the Aquaculture Unit, an officer from the Kiribati Green Energy Solution (KGES), and a Local Consultant has returned from Nonouti Island, after assessing the Island’s mini hatchery, which has remained non-operational since its initial construction. The Purpose of the assessment was to determine the current condition of the facility, identify issues and limitations, and provide recommendations for a potential smooth operation of the project in the future. Upon arrival, the team conducted a comprehensive inspection of the mini hatchery infrastructure including larval culture area, seawater/freshwater supply system, aeration system and the status of the installed solar system capacity and capability, to name a few. The team also met with the Island Mayor, Island clerk and Fisheries Assistant to the Island to discuss the update of the project, and the plan for the next site visit, which will focus only on the renovation and upgrading the facility. The trip was sponsored by the European Union (EU).
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