Written by MFOR Media on 21 May 2026.
Written by MFOR Media on 20 May 2026.
Successful field mission by the CBFM team – Nei Tengarengare
The CBFM team, Nei tenagrengare, has successfully completed a vital field mission to Butaritari. During this trip from 06/05/26 to 13/05/26, the team reviewed 11 fisheries management plans across Butaritari villages: Kuuma, Keuea, Tanimaiaki, Tabonuea, Antakana, Tabukin Meang, Temwanokunuea, Onomwaru, Ukiangang Maiaki, Ukiangang Meang and Bikaati. These plans will be officially recognized under the Fisheries Regulations for empowering communities and giving villages the authority and right to enforce their own rules and management measures. This means communities can take ownership of their fisheries, strengthen local governance, and ensure sustainable use of our ocean resources. Therefore, these plans are more than just documents – they are a blueprint for sustainable marine resources management, ensuring the livelihoods of Butaritari communities today and safeguarding them for future generations.
A huge thank you to all the villagers and partners who contributed their time, knowledge, effort and passion to make this mission a success. We also show gratitude towards those who have contributed to funding this trip including R2R and ACIAR, together we are taking strong steps towards marine conservation and community resilience
Written by MFOR Media on 16 May 2026.
Following the official signing ceremony and launch of the Marina Infrastructure Project in 2025, the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) welcomed a mission team from China Ocean Engineering Survey and Design Co. Ltd (COESD) to Kiribati from May 6-14, 2026 to commence work on the feasibility study for the proposed marina infrastructure at the Ananau Causeway. COESD is one of China’s companies specialized in the survey, design, and construction of ports and other infrastructure projects who was awarded the tender to conduct this study. The team was led by their General manager, Mr Wang Yuanhong and his three team members, Mr Zhao Changpend, Ms Yu Ganyu and Mr Li Jiahao. During the one-week mission, the COESD team met with some government ministries including the Tourism office and KPA to discuss the proposed development and collect information relevant to the study. On the final day of the mission, the COESD team met with MFOR Hon. Minister, Ribanataake Tiwau, and MFOR staff to present the project concept proposal, share the outcomes of their consultation, and discuss the next steps. HM Tiwau highlighted MFOR’s anticipation for the successful completion of the feasibility study, which is expected by October 2026, and strongly emphasized that this project will bring economic benefits and opportunities in future. This initiative stems from bilateral discussions between the Government of Kiribati, through MFOR, and Korea fishing companies through Korea Overseas Fisheries Association (KOFA), which aims to support a small-scale marina infrastructure investment project for fishing communities in Kiribati. The feasibility study for this marina infrastructure was financially supported by the KOFA.
The 142nd session of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) was held in Wellington, New Zealand, from May 11–15, 2026. Kiribati was represented by the Secretary, the Director of the Oceanic Fisheries Division, and the Senior Compliance Officer of the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR). MFOR’s participation in this annual FFC session is essential for voicing Kiribati’s priorities in the arrangements and decisions of this key regional organization governing tuna fisheries. Kiribati contributed to ongoing reform policies led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat, provided input into the new FFA Strategic Plan, requested an assessment of the current Pacific Islands–U.S. treaty, and advocated for a nationalized approach to tuna value chain processes and related investments, among other issues. Several of these critical discussions will be advanced to the FFC Ministerial meeting later in June, also in Wellington, NZ, for further deliberation and collective decision-making. MFOR acknowledges the FFA Secretariat for its continued support to Kiribati in this area and extends its appreciation for the funding assistance that enabled the participation of Kiribati and the wider FFA membership in these regional discussions.
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