News

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

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Community Enterprise Launched in Tuarabu, Abaiang

#Abaiang | A team of four staff members has returned from Abaiang following a productive two-week outreach from 15 February to 1 March 2026. The team consisted of three officers from the Training and Information Unit (TIU) of the Coastal Fisheries Division (CFD) and one representative from the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives(MTCIC), who was invited to provide expertise in business development.
The primary objective was to establish a community-based enterprise focused on producing value-added marine products—including tuna jerky, fish samosa, seaweed jam, and seaweed ice cream—to create sustainable income opportunities for local residents. Following consultations with the Abaiang Island Council, Tuarabu village was selected as the partner community.
Community members received comprehensive training in both product processing and fundamental business operations. As a result, they successfully registered their business as Tobwaan Tenanai Boboti/CS, with the team covering the 2026 business licence fee. The enterprise is now operational and prepared to scale up once additional materials arrive. A follow-up assessment is scheduled in three to six months. Sincere gratitude is extended to the Tuarabu community, the Abaiang Council, and funding partner PROP for making this initiative possible.
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New Equipment Boosts Efficiency for Fisheries Team

The office has received two high-quality laptops, generously donated by James Frazier and the The Ambleve Bedrock Foundation. This kind contribution is already set to strengthen the team's daily operations, particularly in the areas of data entry and management. By improving these digital tools, the Sub-division is better positioned to carry out its vital work in ensuring sustainable fisheries for the community.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to James Frazier and the Ambleve Bedrock Foundation for their sincere support!
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Building Stronger Fisheries Laws for a Sustainable Blue Economy

From 16–20 February, Fisheries Officials from Kiritimati Island proudly participated in a regional workshop at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in Nouméa, New Caledonia. The five-day session brought together regional stakeholders to strengthen fisheries regulations, refine practical management plans, and advance the drafting of a modern, enforceable Fisheries Act.
Through expert-led discussions, interactive drafting sessions, and collaborative planning, participants explored best practices in compliance, enforcement, and sustainable harvest strategies. This important work lays the foundation for stronger governance and healthier marine ecosystems.
For the people of Kiribati, the benefits are clear: protected fish stocks for food security, sustainable livelihoods for fishing communities, increased economic returns from responsible fisheries, and greater transparency in managing our ocean resources. By investing in better laws and management today, Kiribati is safeguarding its blue economy and ensuring that future generations continue to thrive from our ocean heritage.
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PDD Retreat Reviews Outer Island Fish Center Development

A 3-day retreat from 26 Feb - 01 March, 2026, the has come to an end this weekend in North Tarawa, providing a focused platform for the Planning and Development Division (PDD) team and one local expert from the Coastal Fisheries Division to review the Outer Island Fish Center assessment for the nine islands. The team arrived on Thursday with a kick-start of the program that same afternoon, centered on a new agenda focused on team-building exercises. Day 2 on Friday brought constructive discussions on the Outer Island Fish Center—a Ministry project that continues to encounter a number of challenges. The review and assessment work carried out during the retreat is expected to significantly improve the status of fish centers for the benefit of outer island communities. By identifying practical solutions and strategic interventions, the initiative aims to enhance food preservation, create sustainable income-earning opportunities, and strengthen the local economy in the outer islands. The retreat also served as an avenue for team-building exercises to identify issues, reflect on what works within PDD, and explore how the division can deliver more effectively. The PDD team extends its gratitude to the PROP WB for the support in making this retreat possible, a big ko rabwa to Mr. Pita Iotin for his valuable contribution and insights on the Outer Island Fish Center, and to the PDD team for their tireless efforts in making this retreat a success.

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