Five officers from the Coastal Fisheries Division (CFD), from the Research and Monitoring Unit (RMU), recently returned from Butaritari. The trip had two main purposes: to collect resource mapping data and to assist the Fisheries Assistant (FA) and Fisheries Extension Assistant (FEA) on Butaritari in supporting ecotourism activities.

The resource mapping data collection included identifying the most common fishing sites, ciguatera-affected areas, potential spawning areas, and areas where resource users gather, such as schools, churches, te mwaneaba, and other community locations. The resource map will be produced to support the CFD’s ongoing programmes aimed at promoting the sustainable use of our coastal marine resources.

The FA on Butaritari has also started an ecotourism programme, with a focus on the relocation of giant clams, including Kima (Tridacna gigas) and Nei Toro (Hippopus hippopus), to communities that currently have Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The RMU team visited the island to support the FA’s ongoing ecotourism programme by assisting with the collection and relocation of giant clams.

The relocation of giant clams also supports the current Fisheries (Conservation and Management of Coastal Marine Resources) Regulations by helping to conserve and increase giant clam populations.

The activities were supported under the R2R Project.