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News updates from the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources.

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Kiribati and EU Sign 2026 Fisheries Support Program

#singapore | The Joint Committee meeting between the European Union in the Pacific and the Government of the Republic of Kiribati was held in Singapore from 4 to 5 March 2026. Both delegations was led by Mr Luis Molledo, Head of the Trade Negotiations and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements Unit within the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission, and Mr Riibeta Abeta, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) for the Republic of Kiribati. The meeting focused on discussions surrounding matters of mutual interest and benefit under their ongoing fisheries partnership.
The fisheries partnership represents a significant area of cooperation for Kiribati. Under the protocol, the EU and its Member States fish in Kiribati’s waters and provide a stable annual fishing access fee, amounting to approximately AUD 3–5 million per year. In addition to financial contributions (revenue), the partnership also supports local employment by facilitating opportunities for I-Kiribati crew members aboard EU fishing vessels, support services in Kiritimati Island port, and many other ancillary benefits.
The meeting was productive and resulted in several key outcomes, including an improved mutual understanding of cooperation within the fisheries sector and an exchange of views on emerging policy initiatives among the two parties. A meeting record was signed, accompanied by a sectoral support program valued at €400,000.00, which will be implemented in 2026. The program aims to benefit both the Government of Kiribati and local communities through targeted small-scale fisheries projects.
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Mini Hatchery Upgrades Set Stage for Grow-Out Farming

A team from CFD have returned from Maiana after spending 1 week (25th Feb-04th March 2026) on the island doing improvement work to the Mini Hatchery.
The improvement work includes:
- Installation of 2 new raceways to increase the holding capacity of the hatchery
- Installation of davey pump to supply fresh water needs for the hatchery and
- Conducting a site survey to identify the best grow out farming site
Tebikerai and Bubutei sites were ideal for the grow out farming however the team recommend Tebikerai due to its close proximity to the hatchery.
The sizes of the clams in the hatchery indicates that the grow out farming is possible later this year.
The team also managed to discuss the draft Business plan for the Mini Hatchery with the Mayor and Clerk who were very supportive of the idea of letting a private sector to operate the hatchery and requested the need for a full council to discuss the business plan and the full proposal to operate the Mini hatchery as a business operation.
We would like to thank the European Union for their continuous support towards this Mini Hatchery development.
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Technical Mission Improves Access to Offshore Fish Resources

In January–February 2026, a four-member team from the Coastal Fisheries Division (CFD) of the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) carried out a month-long mission to Fanning Island (Tabuaeran) and Washington (Teraina) in the Line Islands. The team departed on 26 January and returned on 24 February 2026, delivering key technical support to strengthen local fisheries capacity.
A major highlight of the visit was the fabrication and deployment of two Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), designed to improve access to offshore fish resources and increase catch efficiency for local fishers. The team also conducted practical training on fibreglass boat repair, equipping fishers with essential maintenance skills to extend the lifespan of their vessels and reduce operational costs.
In addition, hands-on training in deep bottom fishing techniques was delivered to promote sustainable fishing practices and diversify income opportunities. The Ministry sincerely acknowledges the financial support of the World Bank through the PROP Project, whose assistance made this important mission possible.
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SPREP, SPC, and Clear Horizon Advance MSP in Kiribati

#Tarawa | Kiribati, through the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), is pleased to welcome the joint mission by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme - SPREP for Multi-Country 3 (MC3), the Pacific-Community-SPC for Multi-Country 4 (MC4) and Clear Horizon under the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Climate and Biodiversity - SMART Marine Spatial Planning (CaB-SMART MSP) Programme.
The mission will support the advancement of Kiribati’s National Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) through work on MSP Indicators (MC3) and strengthening data governance (MC4), in close coordination with the Kiribati Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC). Clear Horizon will also undertake a review of the CaB-SMART MSP delivery model in Kiribati.
The team arrives 27th February 2026, with activities commencing this week. We look forward to strengthening collaboration for the sustainable management of Kiribati’s ocean resources.
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