The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) convened the Pacific Regional Oceanscape Programme (PROP) Project Steering Committee meeting today at Ocean Family Restaurant, bringing together stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, the Ministry of the Line and Phoenix Development, the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Kiribati Judiciary Service Unit, and other stakeholders from relevant ministries.
The meeting provided an opportunity to update committee members on the project's implementation progress, key achievements, outstanding issues and challenges. It also served as an important preparatory meeting ahead of the World Bank's PROP Implementation Support Mission scheduled for 23–29 October 2026. Key priorities discussed included the construction of the MFOR Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) building in Kiritimati, targeted for completion by June 2027, and the establishment of the Seafood Laboratory Office, a newly established division within MFOR.
Funded by the World Bank, PROP supports the sustainable development and management of Kiribati's fisheries sector through strengthened monitoring, control and surveillance of large-scale oceanic fisheries, improved seafood safety and toxicology measures, and support for fisheries-related initiatives in outer island communities. Originally scheduled to close in June 2026, the PROP has been extended to June 2027.
MFOR acknowledges the continued support of the World Bank through the PROP project and appreciates the collaboration and supports of all participating ministries, and stakeholders to the PSC.