The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) issues this official public notification to clarify reports and video footage currently circulating on social media regarding floating marine material observed off Nonouti Island.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1007072205668606
This statement is provided solely to deliver objective, factual context, address community concerns, and provide clear scientific clarification regarding this natural ocean occurrence.
KEY CLARIFICATIONS
1. Observation Specific to Nonouti Island: Reports and video footage of floating ocean material within Kiribati waters are localized specifically to the coastal waters off Nonouti Island. As of today, no widespread inundation has been reported across other islands in Kiribati.
2. Potential Volcanic Pumice Origin: Preliminary technical observations indicate that this material is natural volcanic pumice—porous, buoyant rock formed during underwater volcanic activity. Regional ocean current models suggest these drift accumulations may likely be linked to floating pumice originating from volcanic activity recorded at Titan Ridge in the Bismarck Sea (near Manus Island, Papua New Guinea) that began on the 8th of May 2026.
3. Non-Toxic Natural Material: Volcanic pumice is composed of natural, inert silicate glass formed when gas-rich lava cools rapidly in seawater. It is non-toxic and presents no chemical, biological, or radioactive hazard to human skin, marine life, or coastal ecosystems.
4. No Cause for Alarm: Floating pumice rafts are a well-recognized, natural phenomenon in the South Pacific Ocean basin. As equatorial ocean currents and wave action continue, the material will naturally disperse, break down, and sink over time.
CONTINUED MONITORING AND INVESTIGATION
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR) is actively monitoring and investigating this issue in close collaboration with regional experts, and local island authorities. An MFOR technical team will travel to Nonouti on Thursday, August 20, 2026, to assess potential impacts and quantify the material
COMMUNITY RESOURCE UTILIZATION: CONSTRUCTION
1. Local residents, island councils, and community members on Nonouti are warmly encouraged to collect and scoop the floating or shore-washed pumice. Because volcanic pumice is lightweight, porous, and completely non-toxic, it serves as a valuable local resource:
2. Construction Material: Can be crushed and mixed into cement to produce lightweight aggregate for concrete blocks, paving, and local structure foundations.
MARITIME SAFETY GUIDANCE
Boat operators, local mariners, and fishers around Nonouti Island are advised to exercise standard caution when navigating through visible patches of floating pumice. Dense rafts can clog engine cooling water intakes or damage propellers. Operators should reduce speed and avoid running outboard motors directly through thick rock clusters.
OFFICIAL MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION
• Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR): info@mfor.gov.ki