Our vast ocean space is our greatest strength; however, the scattered nature of our islands makes Monitoring, Control, Surveillance, and Enforcement (MCS&E) one of our biggest challenges. Despite this, the increasing involvement and collaboration of communities in implementing their local management plans has helped to ease these challenges.

A team from the Coastal Fisheries Division, comprising officers from the Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM) and MCS&E sections, visited North Tarawa to conduct MCS&E training for the communities of Buariki, Kainaba, Tearinibai, and Tabonibara, and to review management plans at Marenannuka, Abaokoro, and Taratai. This activity is part of the ongoing Nei Tengarengare (CBFM) program, which aims to ensure that community management plans are consistent, comprehensive, and that communities are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively enforce them.

The involvement of communities in MCS&E is vital not only for the sustainable management of coastal resources but also for fostering ownership, legitimacy, and the strengthening of social norms within local communities. Through collaborative efforts between the Ministry and the communities, compliance and enforcement at both national and island levels will be further strengthened.

The three-day training and management plan review was successfully completed with active participation from men, women, youth, and elders from each village. Sincere appreciation is extended to all participants for their time, effort, and commitment, as well as to the Tobwaan Waara Project for its financial support and ANCHORS for their partnership in this activity.