National Fisheries Policy 2013 – 2025.

The Fisheries Policy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Policy is 12 years between 2013 and 2025. The objective of the Policy is to ensure a healthy marine environment and sustainable fisheries development with long-term conservation for enhancement of food security, creation of employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods, and economic growth for Kiribati’s current and future generations.
Food security will be enhanced to secure the wellbeing and future of all Kiribatians through sustainable use of fisheries resources. Domestic food supplies will be increased with the contribution of oceanic fisheries’ resources. A National Food Fish and Preservatives Development Facility will be set up for the development of national fish products, and thereby the dietary consumption and nutritional value of fish will be enhanced. Moreover community awareness will be raised on fish diseases to maintain their health status, with special attention to ciguatera outbreaks.
Fisheries will be developed in a socially equitable and environmentally sustainable manner by establishing marine pollution standards to address ballast water, ship and land-based pollution and by preventing the introduction of invasive species. Furthermore marine ecosystem preservation and protection of habitats will be ensured with long-term conservation measures. Fisheries Act will be reviewed and updated to strengthen coastal and oceanic fisheries management. A Monitoring and Evaluation Framework will be developed for oceanic, coastal and aquaculture fisheries management and development.
Long-term poverty will be reduced by increasing employment opportunities and focusing on development strategies in small-scale fisheries. In order to empower local communities and promote self-reliance at the community level to address sustainable livelihoods, employment opportunities and income generation initiatives, an effective and practical framework will be developed to support outer-island fisheries development initiatives. The participation of all stakeholders will be encouraged at all levels.
Economic growth will be supported through sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and marine resources development for all Kiribatians with a gender sensitive approach. A socio-economic analysis of subsistence, artisanal and commercial fisheries in lagoons and inshore waters will be undertaken to assess local fish markets and trade supply chains. Capacity building of artisanal fishers will be ensured with a free compulsory training programme in relevant skills. Moreover a voluntary artisanal vessel registry will be established. Fish aggregating devices network will be expanded to support the artisanal nearshore fisheries on all islands. Procedures regarding fisheries licences will be facilitated and export fees for coastal fisheries will reduce to affordable levels to promote fisheries for all. Fisheries Management Plans will be developed for key commercial species to increase value of fish products and small-scale commercial development. In addition to that, national conservation measures will be developed for harvesting of sharks. Measures will be taken as well against fish diseases to safeguard export and live-fish trade with international partners and markets. The development of the domestic tuna industry and other related fisheries development activities will be ensured to increase export seafood products to foreign markets. A Stabilization Fund will be established in cooperation with the donor partners to ensure sustainable oceanic and coastal fisheries and aquaculture development.
The resilience of fisheries and marine resources to climate change will be increased with the aim of ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development shall implement and support fisheries management, development, and monitoring, control and surveillance.