Written by MFOR Media on 03 March 2025.
Written by MFOR Media on 24 February 2025.
Honourable Ribanataake Tiwau and his team, represented Kiribati in the important high level talanoa on deep-sea minerals in Suva, Fiji. The talanoa was mandated by the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders to exchange views and positions on this critical issue. In the past, the Pacific has been divided on these deep-sea minerals issue, due to possible environmental risks which calls for a moratorium pause on this activity, versus exploring the possibility of sustainably harvesting these deep sea minerals through an internationally driven process at the UN International Seabed Authority. Nevertheless, the Pacific family have embarked on an open discussion and talanoa with a view to strengthen regional approach and solidarity on this issue. Honourable Tiwau emphasized to the talanoa that deep sea minerals can be seen as an opportunity to re-affirms our sense of unity and our narrative as the Blue Pacific Continent. The opportunities include building capacity for ocean science, mitigation to climate change and realizing the benefits. However, this venture comes with huge responsibility to do justice, sustainability, custodianship and precautionary approach. This outcome of this talanoa will be reported to the next Pacific Islands Forum meeting later this year in Solomon Islands. The Ministry acknowledge the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner for convening this important talanoa.
Two officers from the Coastal Fisheries Division successfully completed their attachment program in New Zealand with the Te Pātuitanga Ahumoana a Kiwa team of the #MinistryofPrimaryIndustries (MPI) in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC) from February 17–21, 2025. This program was funded through the Te Pātui initiative, a joint effort between MPI and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). The attachment focused on reviewing draft management plans for the Sea Cucumber and Marine Aquarium fisheries. These plans are vital in establishing a strong foundation for sustainable resource management, ensuring long-term ecological balance, and supporting the social and economic development of Kiribati. The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources acknowledge MFAT through MPI, Pacific-Community-SPC for their continuing support to this program.
Tuvaluan Fisheries Officer Mr. Lealai Bataka recently completed a 3-week training program on giant clam farming techniques in Tarawa, Kiribati! Hosted at Tanaea Hatchery, the training covered giant clam spawning, larval rearing, and microalgae culture, supported by the FAO project TCP/SAP/3904. Mr. Bataka worked alongside Kiribati’s Coastal Fisheries Division team, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights. He described the training as highly productive and is eager to apply these skills to boost giant clam farming in Tuvalu. A big thank you to FAO and Kiribati’s Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources for this incredible opportunity!
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