Kiritimati Integrated Fisheries Master Plan 2014–2017.

The Integrated Fisheries Master Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Master Plan is 4 years between 2014 and 2017. The purpose of this Master Plan is to improve both the management and the sustainable development of the fisheries and marine resources on Kiritimati Island in order to maximize economic growth, employment opportunities, and food security and to safeguard the marine environment.
Food security will be ensured through the development of the supply link of certain fish species and stock recovery of some important fish species.
Income and employment opportunities from sustainable aquaculture and fisheries developments will be maximized. Gender-balanced small-scale enterprises will be promoted through development funding. Gender equality will be mainstreamed at all levels of fisheries sector development. The employment of women in the fishing industry will be promoted taking into account the needs of women and men in developing and implementing fisheries programme. Women's skills and understanding will be enhanced in accordance with the National Policy on Women.
As a potential economic growth centre for Kiribati in the future, Kiritimati Island will be developed with a focus on oceanic and coastal fisheries and aquaculture, in the broader context of development including in tourism, environment, salt production and construction of a fisheries jetty/wharf. New wharf will be constructed to provide the enabling environment for tuna fishery development. An environmental impact assessment will be undertaken for the selected site for the new wharf and passage dredging. Transportation sector will be developed to increase the number of tourists and the export of marine resources to international markets. Export markets will be established for tuna products to maintain increase in the fisheries sector contribution to GDP. Furthermore, the export volume of fresh whole tuna and other value added products from tuna will be increased. Export of high value aquaculture commodities will be established. Therefore, declining aquatic species and affected reefs will be restored. The enhancement and restocking programs for giant clams, sea cucumber, flame angels, corals etc will be supported. The skills of artisanal and small-scale commercial fishermen will be improved through training on adaptive fishing technologies, training on proper fish handling, and introduction of new and affordable fishing vessels. Incentives will be developed to attract foreign fishing vessels to offload a percentage of their catch. Marketing and retail business of the seafood sector will be developed in accordance with the fishery product food safety. Safety of seafood will be ensured at all levels including fish handling, processing, storing and quality control. Potential investors from local and overseas will be encouraged to run and manage milkfish ponds for the processing of milkfish as food. Fishing partners licensed to fish in Kiribati Exclusive Economic Zone will be encouraged to contribute to the food security of communities through installation and deployment of fish aggregate devices. Credit facilities will be established to support local investment in the fisheries sector to improve the competitiveness of marine based products. All coastal fisheries management plans and regulations will be fully enforced in collaboration with wildlife, tourism, and environment sectors. Fishery resources in coastal zones will be protected through prohibition of certain species from exports, limitations on fishing gear, introduction of quota systems, and restrictions for species. General management will be applied to protect fishing areas or restrict fishing methods to address declining stocks of specific species. Biological data will be collected to ensure effective management and protection of species. Training in appropriate fish handling and storage techniques will be provided to maintain fish health. Institutional capacity building will be enhanced for sustainable fisheries management. Environment and ecosystem will be protected from the introduction of invasive species; development, tourism and fishing activities; and hazardous wastes. Training programmes will be established to raise awareness of conservation and sustainable management issues.
The cooperation between the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, line ministries, national, regional and international agencies and non-governmental organizations will be strengthened to achieve the successful implementation of this Plan.