News

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

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Nonouti Fish Centre Upgrade and Hatchery MOU Finalised

Nonouti Fish Centre and Mini-Hatchery project Mission, ( 23 March – 23 April 2026 ) The MFOR team, comprising representatives from Coastal Fisheries Division and Planning and Development Division, convened a meeting with Nonouti full council on 20th April 2026 to review the findings of the fish centre assessment conducted in October 2025 and finalise the Mini-Hatchery Project Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
During this meeting, the Planning Division representative outlined key challenges identified in the fish centre assessment report, including issues related to the facility’s physical condition, equipment, and overall operations. Through constructive dialogue, both parties agreed that the recommended solutions—along with other raised concerns—will be incorporated in the Fish Centre Upgrading MOU, which is scheduled for review and discussion in May–June 2026.
The success of the clam spawning trial was also acknowledged, which produced over 5,000 seedlings. This trial was led by a local technical advisor (TA) engaged to implement the hatchery management training protocols for island trainees.
The meeting concluded with a tour of the hatchery facility, where the Mayor and all council members had the opportunity to observe the various components of the facility. This was followed by the signing of the hatchery MOU. The Ministry of Fisheries expresses its gratitude to the European Union (EU) for the funding support provided for these activities under the EU Sector Support Programme.
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Nanikai Selected as New Tanobakoa Site Under National Clean-Up Campaign

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) convened a meeting today with the Nanikai Mother Community Chairman and sub‑community representatives at the Coastal Fisheries Boardroom in Ambo. During the discussion, the MFOR representative outlined the ministry’s plans and commitment to supporting the coastal clean‑up of the Nanikai shoreline under its national Coastal Clean‑up Campaign, known as TANOBAKOA.
As part of this initiative, MFOR has selected Nanikai as the newest Tanobakoa site, expressing strong interest in partnering with the Nanikai community to maintain the cleanliness of the coastal area and further expand the campaign’s reach. To strengthen this effort, the ministry also presented its plan to install a trash boom designed to prevent the accumulation of debris and seagrass along Nanikai beach. Installation is scheduled for September 2026.
In response, the Nanikai Community Chairman conveyed sincere appreciation for the ministry’s support and confirmed the community’s readiness to collaborate with MFOR under the clean‑up campaign.
Both parties agreed that the first joint coastal clean‑up of Nanikai beach will take place on Saturday, 2 May 2026.
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Sea Cucumber Stock Assessments Support Sustainable Fisheries

A team from the Coastal Fisheries Division (MFOR) successfully conducted sea cucumber stock assessments on Kiritimati, Abaiang, and Butaritari. The units involved in the assessments included the Research and Monitoring Unit (Ambo) and the Kiritimati Branch. The team spent two weeks on each island, carrying out in-water surveys using SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and shoreline walking methods.
The stock assessment forms part of the ongoing monitoring program aimed at evaluating the status of wild sea cucumber populations. Sea cucumbers are slow-moving animals, making them easy targets for harvesting and highly vulnerable to overexploitation if proper management and enforcement measures are not in place. As Kiribati has opened its sea cucumber fishery, conducting regular stock assessments is essential to determine the condition of wild stocks.
These assessments help determine whether sea cucumber populations remain healthy enough for harvesting, based on threshold levels established from species density observed during surveys. Furthermore, the results will guide fisheries managers in developing sustainable management strategies to ensure that sea cucumber species are not depleted.
The team sincerely acknowledges the communities of Kiritimati, Abaiang, and Butaritari for their cooperation and support during the surveys, and extends appreciation to the PROP Project for its financial support in implementing this program.
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MFOR Promotes Seafood Safety and Sustainability in Makin

To ensure continued support to the public, the MFOR team visited Makin Island from 19–26 April to conduct consultations with communities and schools. The mission aimed to promote and strengthen seafood safety, proper fish handling, market access and sustainability across the entire island, including Kiebu islet.
The awareness program focused on equipping the public with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify fish that are safe for consumption, apply proper hygiene practices when handling seafood, and maintain fish freshness and quality. It also emphasized the importance of protecting our marine ecosystem, including understanding marine protected areas, fish size limits, and seasonal closures.
The consultation team comprised two officers from the Seafood Verification Division and two officers from the Coastal Fisheries Division, along with the Fisheries Assistant based on the island.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Mayor, Clerk, IEC, school principals, councillors, and the people of Makin Island for their support in making this visit successful. We also acknowledge the MFOR team behind this consultation, our colleagues, and TWP for their financial support in making this trip possible.
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