News

Tabiteuea South is an island in the Southern Gilbert group with variety of coastal fisheries. During a recent visit by three Fisheries Officers from the Research and Monitoring Unit of MFOR, creel surveys and interviews with local fishermen were conducted. Preliminary findings from these interviews revealed signs of depletion and a reduction in the size of some coastal fishery resources. Collecting this data is important for the Ministry, as it provides baseline information that can support better management and sustainable use of coastal fisheries, not only on Tabiteuea South but across other islands as well. The team spent one week on the island (27th April – 4th May) and greatly appreciates the ongoing generous support from the PROP project.

The 138th Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC138) meeting is underway in Alofi, Niue from 6th-15th May 2025 and is attended by 17 member countries, including Kiribati. This annual gathering provides the platform for members to converse on important matters such as governance, policies, fisheries management, priorities, and initiatives, amongst other things. These discussions are not only central to the overall functioning of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in addressing contemporary challenges but also provide guidance and strategic direction to the organization for the benefit of its members. This year’s meeting marked the end of Nauru’s tenure as chair and welcomed Niue as the incoming chair of FFC. The incoming Chair introduced the Ocean Literacy initiative during the meeting – an initiative that Kiribati will benefit from through advocating the impact of regional and global fisheries decisions on the lives of our Pacific people. The Government of Kiribati acknowledges FFA for its continual support in these meetings, thanking the outgoing Chair (Nauru) and congratulating Niue as the host and Chair for FFC138.