News

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

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Sustainable Tuna Future Secured as WCPFC22 Adopts SPA Management Procedure

The 22nd Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC22) regular summit in Manila, Philippines, from 1-5 December 2024, closed its long week of meetings on a high note. Adoption of the Management Procedure for the South Pacific Albacore (or SPA MP) tuna species is the highlight of this year’s gathering. Conclusion to the long debate in the management of this important tuna species through the harvest strategy framework reinforces the WCPFC as one of the leading regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) in managing tuna fisheries. Success of this year’s meeting culminates the result of hard work, dedication, and commitment to shared goals toward sustainable fisheries, compounded by the compromise of the entire Commission membership. For Kiribati, the SPA is mainly found in the southern Line Islands; therefore, adoption of the SPA MP would lay the foundation for future work to ensure long-term sustainability of this resource. As PNA Chair, Kiribati chaired PNA preparatory meeting to the WCPFC22 including the PNA Special meeting (SPNA83). In addition, the team also had the chance to meet and renew bilateral fishing agreements with distant water fishing nations at the margin of the plenary. These deals are critical to the Government revenue in 2026. MFOR is represented through these meetings, including PNA and FFA prep meetings, by four OFD senior officials. The Government of Kiribati acknowledged the host country, co-host Canada, the WCPFC, FFA, and the PNAO for the support throughout the meeting and wishes everyone a happy festive season.

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KMSPCC Showcases GIS Innovations at 2025 Pacific GIS & Remote Sensing Conference

Kiribati Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC), led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), participated in the Pacific GIS & Remote Sensing Conference held in Suva, Fiji from 24th to 28th November. The Committee was proudly represented by Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs, Ministry of Environments, Lands and Agricultural Development and the Office of the Attorney General.
This annual conference marks the Committee’s second participation, aligning with this year’s theme, “Building and Enhancing Geospatial Networks in the Pacific.” The event brought together geospatial leaders, practitioners, researchers, and regional partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and emphasis the essential role of GIS and Remote Sensing in supporting sustainable development across the region.
The conference provided an excellent platform for the KMSPCC to showcase the use of GIS in Marine Spatial Planning implementation, expand regional networks, enhance capacity, and bring home valuable insights that will benefit communities and further strengthen Kiribati’s national geospatial efforts.
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Hands-On Training Strengthens Giant Clam Hatchery Operations on Maiana

A Fisheries officer with a Technical Advisor recently came back from the Island of Maiana after completing a one-week training with the hatchery technician.
The training focused on sorting and grading giant clam spats before grow-out farming in the sea, which is one of the critical stages in giant clam inland culture-based aquaculture system. The training offered a full hands-on training and knowledge on increasing the survival rates of spats by keeping them safe, healthy and of good quality.
After the training, the spats are to be kept in the hatchery until they reach length 20mm or above. This will give them time to grow their shell stronger and harder to avoid predation and other environmental pressures once they transferred to farming sites in the sea.
The hatchery technician, also from the Island of Maiana is currently employed under the project and is now responsible in looking after the mini hatchery to make sure that the facility and all its assets are in smooth operation throughout the project cycle.
This is the fourth time the team visited the Island this year, which is part of the EU program and the MFOR extend its gratitude to the EU fisheries sector supports for funding and making this project a reality.
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Kiribati Advances Training and Market Priorities at INFOFISH Council Session

Two officers from The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resource attended the 39th INFOFISH Governing Council Meeting held in Malaysia, from 24–27 November 2025. INFOFISH is an intergovernmental organization established in 1981 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to provide fisheries trade promotion, technical advisory services, and market information for fishery products across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Its Governing Council member states include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Thailand.
This year’s Governing Council session focused on recruitment of a new INFOFISH Director, Organisations restructure, Auditing and the review of the draft Staff Regulations, as well as the endorsement of the 2026 Annual Budget and Work Programme by Council Members. Kiribati participation is to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the organisation’s goals and collaborative efforts throughout the region.
Kiribati presented its proposals during the meeting, emphasizing training and capacity development in Tuna Trade Promotion and Market Intelligence to form part of the 2026 INFOFISH work program for Kiribati. These priorities reflect the country’s effort to strengthen national capabilities in global tuna markets, and improve long-term sustainability of social-economic benefits. Kiribati also explored additional opportunities for technical cooperation under the INFOFISH collaboration framework, particularly with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Philippines on Milkfish deboning and value- addition, and aquaculture development. This initiative are expected to enhance food security, create sustainable livelihood opportunities, and generate direct benefits for our fishing communities and consumers in Kiribati.
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