Understanding legal responsibility under the Fisheries Act, gathering vital evidence related to fisheries infringements and knowing how the court works in handling offences is the purpose of the “Evidence Gathering & Court Presentation in Fisheries” training held this week from 1-3 October 2025, at the Marine Training Center, Betio, Tarawa.

The training, which is the first ever conducted for fisheries enforcement officers, is attended by oceanic and coastal enforcement officers, fisheries observers, including fisheries assistants from outer islands and the Line Islands. The objective of the training is to strengthen enforcement capacity and build confidence in these officers to better understand their role in fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) space. A vital component of the training is the mock trial, where participants will undergo practical exercises replicating the reality of courtrooms in the real world. The result of this training is expected to boost the confidence of enforcement officers in conducting their jobs to ensure marine resources are legally protected.

MFOR greatly acknowledges the funding support by PROP and the staff of the Attorney General's office for conducting and facilitating the three-day session.