A one-week Longline Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) Implementation Workshop, hosted by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO), concluded on Friday, 16 October 2026. The workshop was conducted in preparation for the implementation of the Longline VDS in 2027, with the aim of ensuring that longline fishing companies operating in Kiribati understand their obligations under the Longline Licence Conditions and comply with VDS regulations within Kiribati’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The workshop plays a significant role in strengthening sustainable fisheries management by regulating fishing days based on the number of days purchased by licensed fishing companies. This helps promote the long-term sustainability of tuna stocks while maximising economic returns for Kiribati.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) extends its sincere appreciation to PNAO for facilitating this workshop in collaboration with the Ministry. The successful completion of the workshop marks an important step towards the effective implementation of the Longline VDS in 2027.