Written by MFOR Media on 17 July 2026.
Two MFOR officials attended INFOFISH Special Governing Council Session 2026 (July Session) held from 6–7 July 2026, followed by the 39th INFOFISH Technical and Advisory Board Meeting from 8–10 July 2026 at the Fisheries Development Authority Office (LKIM), Puchong,Selangor, Malaysia.
Kiribati participated in the meetings as a valued member of the INFOFISH Governing Council, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development across the Asia-Pacific region.
During the two-day Special Governing Council Session, member countries deliberated on a range of key administrative, organizational and governance matters aimed at strengthening the institution. A major outcome of the meeting was the review and finalization of the INFOFISH Staff Regulations, an important milestone that will further enhance the organization's governance framework and operational effectiveness.
The 39th INFOFISH Technical and Advisory Board Meeting focused on reviewing the INFOFISH Progress Report covering the period from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026, highlighting the organization's continued transition and implementation of its strategic priorities amid an increasingly complex and evolving global operating environment.
Kiribati continues to benefit significantly from its active membership in INFOFISH. Through the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, alongside fellow member countries including Fiji and Papua New Guinea, Kiribati has received valuable technical training and capacity-building opportunities in priority areas such as aquaculture development, tuna value chain and value addition.
One notable achievement arising from this regional cooperation was the successful collaboration with the Philippines, which enabled practical, hands-on Milkfish Deboning Training for officers from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources and staff of Central Pacific Producers Limited (CPPL) in early March this year. The training has strengthened local technical expertise and contributes directly to the Government's efforts to promote value-added fisheries products and improve food security, employment opportunities, and economic returns from the fisheries sector.
The Ministry acknowledges INFOFISH for its continued technical assistance and unwavering support in strengthening the capacity of its member countries. Kiribati also expresses its sincere appreciation to all member states for their spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support in advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development throughout the region.
Kiribati remains committed to exploring further opportunities to enhance its technical capabilities through INFOFISH programmes, particularly in the areas of digital market intelligence, fisheries trade promotion, value chain development, aquaculture innovation, and knowledge transfer. The Ministry recognizes these areas are critical to unlocking greater economic opportunities from Kiribati's fisheries resources while supporting the sustainable management of the nation's vast ocean resources.
Written by MFOR Media on 02 July 2026.
The Honourable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau led the Kiribati delegation in the 25th session of the Forum Fisheries Committee Ministers’ meeting, and the subsequent 7th session of the Regional Fisheries Ministers’ meeting held from 30th June to 2nd July 2026 in Wellington, New Zealand. These two high-level platforms are the annual governing meetings of the Pacific Island Countries for oceanic tuna fisheries and the coastal fisheries. There are critical decisions and new set of regional policies adopted in these two processes, that will pave the way for improved fisheries in the Blue Pacific – essential for food security, economic opportunities and social empowerment. In the margin of these two meetings, HM Tiwau and his team also managed to undertake bilateral meetings with the European Union delegation and the New Zealand Crowthron Institution. Ahead of these high-level meetings, the officials met a week before to prepare the meeting, including a consultation with the US and the WCPFC workshop on Albacore allocation. The MFOR acknowledges, the people and Government of New Zealand for hosting this year’s meetings, as well as to both the teams from the Forum Fisheries Agency and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community for their excellent preparation of these meetings.
Written by MFOR Media on 26 June 2026.
The Second FFA MCS related activity workshop in Nadi, Fiji from 22-26 June 2026 brought together MCS practitioners from FFA membership including two Kiribati MCS officers from the Oceanic Division. The workshop aims to building practical skills on newly developed MCS tools such as the e-PSM (Port State Measure), Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS), e-Licensing System and the Regional MCS Strategy Dashboard. The workshop provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen national capacity, deepen understanding of fisheries management tools and support collective efforts in combating IUU fishing in the region. The MFOR, through the Oceanic Division, acknowledges the continued support from the Forum Fisheries Agency to support its membership in the MCS space.
Written by MFOR Media on 24 June 2026.
The Seafood Toxicology Laboratory officers successfully conducted a one-day database field testing with stakeholders from MFOR, CPPL, and KFL on 19 June 2026 at the KIFL Boardroom, Ambo. The exercise introduced participants to the laboratory workflow and demonstrated the database system that will support efficient communication and management of water and seafood testing services once the laboratory becomes operational.
The field testing provided valuable feedback to ensure the system is practical, user-friendly, and responsive to stakeholder needs. This initiative marks an important step towards strengthening laboratory service delivery, improving client engagement, and supporting the laboratory's readiness for future operations.
The Ministry sincerely acknowledges the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) under MTCIC for its technical support in developing the system and extends its appreciation to the World Bank through PROP for its continued support towards the establishment of the Seafood Toxicology Laboratory database. The Ministry also acknowledges stakeholders for their active participation and valuable feedback, which will contribute to enhancing the effectiveness and usability of the system.
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