News

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

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MFOR Celebrates Record Fisheries Revenue to Close 2025

As we approach the end of 2025 and look forward to the new year, the MFOR team has been working tirelessly to meet this year's revenue target.
On the 27 December 2025, MFOR is pleased to announce that we have once again reached our major milestone, successfully receiving AU$202 million in fishing access revenues before the year end.
This marks the third consecutive year that revenues have exceeded AU$200 million since 2023, setting a new record in Kiribati's oceanic fisheries history. This achievement was reached despite the prolonged period of La Nina posing an unfavourable fishing condition to Kiribati waters.
Additionally, 2025 is significant for another achievement: it is the first-year coastal fisheries revenues have surpassed AU$1 million.
MFOR remains committed to exploring new opportunities to maximize the sustainable benefits derived from Kiribati vast ocean resources.
The Honourable Minister, Secretary, management, and all staff extend their sincere appreciation to our partners and stakeholders for a successful and productive 2025.
We wish everyone a prosperous and fruitful new year 2026.
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New Generation of Fisheries Observers Ready to Serve Kiribati

The Honourable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau officiated the graduation ceremony of 62 new fisheries observers from Tarawa and Christmas Island on 26 December 2025 in Ambo, Tarawa.
In his address, he encouraged the new graduates to respect and uphold the significance of their responsibilities, describing them as "the eyes and ears of Kiribati."
Fisheries observers are professionally trained biological technicians who gather data on catch and discard by licensed commercial fishing vessels. They also monitor compliance with fishing and safety regulations and track protected species bycatch, all contributing to the sustainable management of the nation's oceanic fishery resources.
This ceremony marked the culmination of a ten-week intensive training program and the beginning of a new chapter in fisheries observation for the 62 graduates.
The event was honored by the presence of the Honourable Minister, the Secretary, and senior officials from the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR).
MFOR extends its gratitude to the Pacific Community (SPC), the Pacific Islands Regional Fisheries Observers (PIRFO) trainers and trainee trainers, and the Marine Training Centre for their invaluable support in ensuring the success of the training program.
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MFOR Lights Up Ananau Causeway with Christmas Spirit

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR), together with our staff, their families, and our SOE companies (CPPL and TACL) and joint venture companies (KFL, KIFL, and KSCL), are delighted to share the joy of the season with our community.
Our shared Christmas spirit is now shining bright through the illuminated Christmas trees and colourful streetlights along the Ananau Causeway at Bonriki. These lights carry a special meaning. They symbolize Christ as the light that overcomes darkness, and they represent the joy, celebration, and unity of our community.
It is this very spirit that MFOR aimed to share by working hard to complete these Christmas trees and streetlight projects for everyone to enjoy.
To further enhance the atmosphere of this space, we welcome food vendors to make use of the area. A night market will be operational from Monday, 29th December 2025.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between MFOR and MTCIC.
We extend our sincere thanks to our partners at the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC), who are launching a similar initiative on the Nippon Causeway, Betio side.
MFOR gratefully acknowledges the invaluable contributions of our sponsors - All MFOR Projects, Private Sectors and our SOE/JV Companies, KLTA and contractors, Sunlight Enterprise and Tamton Services.
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Kiribati and KOFA Advance Fisheries Cooperation and Joint Ventures

The Honourable Minister Ribanataake Tiwau and his delegation have successfully concluded bilateral negotiations with Chairman Sangbeom Lee and the delegation from the Korea Overseas Fisheries Association (KOFA) regarding fishing access in Kiribati waters for the year 2026.
Subsequent to this negotiation, the Board of Directors and Shareholders of the related Joint Venture Companies convened for meetings. These entities - Kirikore (Kiribati and Silla Co Ltd), Kiribati and Sajo Fisheries Company - (KFSC), and Kiribati and Dongwon Fisheries Company - (KDFC) - create significant opportunities for the Government of Kiribati. Their contributions include providing fishing vessels for Kiribati’s waters, generating revenue from access fees, creating employment for vessel crews, and offering training opportunities in Korea for Kiribati nationals, all facilitated through the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR).
The Government of Kiribati (through MFOR) extends its appreciation to the people of South Korea, KOFA, and the Government of South Korea for their continued cooperation and partnership with Kiribati. These joint ventures yield sustained economic benefits for both the people and the Government of Kiribati.
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