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

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𝐌𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐚 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝟑 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.⁣

This notice serves as an official response to public inquiries about a fishing vessel observed operating close to shore on the ocean side of South Tarawa on Friday, 3 April 2026.⁣
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) wishes to clarify that the vessel in question is a small-scale, domestic artisanal vessel specializing in night squid fishing. It is owned by Kiribati Seafood Company Limited, a joint venture between the Government of Kiribati and a Chinese shareholder.⁣
MFOR and this new joint venture company have been actively exploring new types of fishing for Kiribati using an alternative vessel design. As part of this effort, the company was authorized to conduct squid fishing trials to test fishing gear and assess local squid stocks.⁣
A six-month trial squid fishing operation was approved shortly before the Easter holiday. The trial is permitted to operate in the ocean waters adjacent to South Tarawa⁣
The main goal of the trial is to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of squid fishing as a potential fisheries development opportunity and food security for Kiribati⁣
The trial uses nighttime light-fishing techniques specifically designed to attract and harvest squid. This method helps ensure the activity remains targeted and minimizes impact on non-target species.⁣
To ensure transparency, sustainability, and compliance with national fisheries regulations, MFOR has deployed Fisheries Enforcement Officers onboard the vessel for the duration of the trial. Their duties include closely monitoring operations, verifying catch data, and ensuring full adherence to the approved trial conditions. Any illegal or non-compliant activity will be addressed in accordance with existing laws and regulations.⁣
Early results from the trial are promising for South Tarawa, with substantial catches of high-quality squid during night operations. These findings will inform future policy decisions and the potential expansion of squid fisheries across Kiribati.⁣
MFOR emphasizes that this trial is part of the Government’s broader commitment to exploring new sustainable fisheries opportunities and diversifying food sources for our people while safeguarding marine resources for future generations⁣
The Ministry encourages continued support from stakeholders and the public as it advances initiatives aimed at strengthening the fisheries sector and promoting sustainable ocean resource management.⁣
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OEC Reviews MFOR 100-Day Priorities Progress

The Oversight Evaluation Committee (OEC), comprising of H.E. Te Beretitenti Taneti Maamau, the Honourable Vice President Dr Teuea Toatu, the Minister for Line and Phoenix Islands Development Hon. Mikarike Temari, the Minister for Information, Communication and Transport Hon. Alexanda Teabo, and the Minister for Education, Hon Ruateki Tekaiara; met with the team from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) today, 08 April 2026, to evaluate progress on the MFOR second batch of their 100-Day Priorities, which ran from August to December 2025.
Of the 20 MFOR priorities, spanning across revenue generation, infrastructure development, fisheries management, policy, and visibility, 17 were successfully delivered, and the remaining three reached 80% completion. The OEC panel offered constructive pointers and encouragements, urging MFOR to adopt a more ambitious and aggressive approach while increasing the value derived from the nation’s vast ocean resources.
MFOR has taken these recommendations into account as it develops its plans for this year and the near future. The MFOR team extends its acknowledgment to the distinguished OEC members for their evaluation and guidance.
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Abemama Completes Marine Spatial Planning Milestone

The Kiribati Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC) has successfully completed the Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) for Abemama Island. Abemama is now the sixth island that the Committee has supported through village consultations, school visits, and the validation of MSP plans with the Island Council, conducted from Friday, 27th March to Tuesday, 7th April 2026. 

Following consultations with community members on their visions and objectives, the consolidated MSP vision for Abemama Island was agreed as: 

“A resilient, secure, and prosperous Abemama where continuous Marine Spatial Planning, strong enforcement, and informed decision-making—grounded in traditional knowledge and innovation—sustain and restore marine resources, ensure peaceful ocean use, and support equitable livelihoods and thriving blue economy opportunities for present and future generations.” 

The Committee would like to acknowledge PROP and MFAT for their continuous support to Kiribati in advancing ocean planning for a sustainable future. 

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Building Blue Carbon Capacity for Sustainable Ocean Futures

A one-week training on The State of Blue Carbon Science, Policy and Finance was conducted last week in Singapore from the 23rd to the 27th of March 2026.

A total of six Small Island Developing States (SIDS) countries (1 from African region, 1 from Caribbean and 4 from the Pacific) including Guyana from South America and a representative from the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) attended the course.

This was the first ever course on Blue Carbon designed for SIDS countries offered by the Government of Singapore to assist them with the science behind the blue carbon, blue carbon policies and the existing financial mechanisms that SIDS can utilise to secure funding for their blue carbon development.

Kiribati was represented by two Officers from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.

Special thanks go to the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the Government of Kiribati for the support, which made this training possible.

 

 

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