Two officers from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE), led by a Fisheries Aquaculture Technician, returned on Sunday, 30 August, from Makin Island following a field mission conducted in response to the Makin Island Council’s request to upgrade Te Namo (Embayment). The initiative is driven by the island’s vision to develop fish farming and other sustainable marine resources to strengthen food security and livelihoods for the people of Makin. This visit marks the first phase of the project, focusing on conducting a site survey to assess the area and provide the technical information required for the next stages.

The site survey it is essential in developing the design and cost estimates for a proposed sluice gate, which will be a major component of the project. The sluice gate will help control the outflow of seawater from Te Namo during low tide, while also helping to prevent or reduce the entry of predators from the open ocean into Te Namo. This will provide a more controlled environment for future fish farming activities and help reduce predatory impacts once aquaculture operations are initiated. 

The team gratefully acknowledges the support of MISE in advancing this important initiative for Makin Island. We also acknowledge the Island Council for its strong cooperation and readiness to support the implementation of the project.