A new five-year fisheries protocol to the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement was signed between the European Commission (EC) and the Republic of Kiribati on 2 October 2023. The new protocol will permit EC fishing vessels to restart operations in the fishing grounds of Kiribati.  provides the EC vessels access to one of the world's richest and healthiest tuna populations found in the Pacific Ocean, an area that accounts for more than half of the world's tuna catch. For the first time the EC and Kiribati agreed upon a regime based on effort management (fishing days) rather than catch management (reference tonnage). This regime is more aligned with Kiribati's domestic law and with how the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, the tuna regional fisheries management organisation established in the region, manages its purse seine tropical tuna fisheries. The EC purse seiners will be permitted to fish for up to 160 days per year, with the option for shipowners to purchase more days only in the event that there is sound scientific evidence that the tuna stock conditions permit further expansion of fishing operations. The fisheries protocol establishes an effective framework for monitoring, controlling, and surveillance that will enable both parties to ensure that EC vessels adhere to national, sub-regional, and regional conservation and management measures. Under the new protocol, over the next five years, EC and shipowner’s contributions could total around EUR 18 million, including payments of EUR 2 million to support the implementation of initiatives taken in the context of Kiribati's sectoral fisheries and maritime policy. The sectoral support programme will enable Kiribati to improve the capability of its Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development and to continue implementing sustainable fisheries policies. In particular, it will enable Kiribati to improve the livelihoods of artisanal fishers, strengthen monitoring, control, and surveillance capabilities, and maintain its food safety standards for both domestic consumption of seafood and export.

Source: https://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/news-events/trade-and-market-news/q4-2023-oct-dec/en/

We're proud to share the successful completion of the Kiribati Dockside Boarding Inspection Training on Christmas Island, a joint initiative by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industry (MPI), Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), and Ministry of Fisheries Marine Resources Development (MFMRD). This intensive week-long program empowered 25 Kiribati Fisheries Officials and representatives from various ministries that work in the border, including Customs, Immigration, Police, Environment, and Health. They learned crucial vessel inspection procedures to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, enhancing maritime security. The curriculum covered best practices for safe and effective inspections at sea and in port, employing intelligence and risk assessment for targeted inspections. Practical exercises provided hands-on experience. This training contributes to stronger national and regional fisheries management, better IUU detection, and enforcement actions.  Mr. Yohni Fepuleai, a FFA Surveillance Officer, emphasised the significance of enhancing Kiribati's MCS officials' capability and competency, which is a top priority for FFA. This initiative is a part of regional efforts to detect illegal and unreported risks in Pacific fisheries. We extend our thanks to the students, the Kiribati Government, and our partners for their collaborative efforts. The course was generously funded by the FFA PEUMP program.

#FisheriesManagement #MaritimeSecurity #Kiribati #IUUFishing

Source: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA)

The Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Fiji would like to thank the general public for their adherence to the seasonal ban on Grouper and Coral Trout commonly known as Kawakawa and Donu which ended on September 30^th. The ban which runs from June 1^st to September 30^th was imposed for a purpose, and that is to protect them during their breeding season.

Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Hon Kalaveti Ravu thanks everyone for their support during the seasonal ban and hopes that everyone will work together to protect vulnerable species in the ocean. “Let us continue to work together to sustain, manage and protect our fisheries. Now that the seasonal ban has been lifted, let us continue to harvest resources sustainably and also provide an enabling environment for them to grow and repopulate our waters,” said Mr Ravu.

Source: Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Fiji.