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Kiribati Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003 |
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background Information and Past Trends
Kiribati which is often referred to, as the "Nation of Water" is one of the low-lying Atolls
located in the vast immensity of the Central Pacific of the Pacific Ocean. The country in
all is a group of islands scattered over 5 million square kilometres of ocean on either side
of the equator and the International Date Line. All islands in the three groups are true
atolls with the exception of Banaba, which is a raised limestone island . The total land
area of the 33 islands is estimated at 822.8 km2 with Christmas Island comprising almost
half of the total having the largest landmass of any atoll in the world. All islands are low
coralline structures with few elevations above 4 m. Ki ribati is thus one of the nations
whose very existence is threatened by a possible rise in sea level due to global warming.
The eastern part of the country is known as the Lines Group and comprises eight islands
with three islands inhabited and the Central Group is the Phoenix, which comprises of
eight islands with one island inhabited. The Western part of the Group is known as the
Gilbert Group and comprised of seventeen islands with all islands inhabited and the
capital island is located on Tarawa, where 37% of the total population resides. However,
over 62 % of the populations of the Gilbert group are in the outer islands.
The export of seafood by Kiribati has increased since 1979 during post independence.
The early development plans were directed at the offshore fisheries; however, technical
and financial problems shifted the focus inshore. This shift took into consideration the
accessibility of the inshore resource and the low cost of capital investment involved.
More companies now operate in the inshore sector than offshore. For example in 1999
18 companies were operating in the inshore sector compared with only 6 operating
offshore (Fisheries Division Annual Report, 1999). Inevitably, this shift has increased the
rate of exploitation of various coastal and reef resources to such an extent that these
resources have been reduced to a critical level. For example the giant clam, Tndacna
gigas on four islands (Butaritari, Abemama, Nonouti and Tarawa) has been fished beyond
its maximum sustainable yield (Tekinaiti, 1990), and is already an endangered species.
Surveys conducted in 1999 on the black teat sea cucumber, Microthele nobilis and the
white teat sea cucumber, Microthele fuscogilva on Butaritari, Abaiang, Abemama,
Nonouti, Aranuka Tabiteuea North and Tabiteuea South show that the density of these
species has decreased due to excessive commercial exploitation (Kazu, 1999).
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
Although they are declining, marine resources remain an important part of the country's
wealth and Kiribati will continue to depend on its marine resources for economic
development to boost slow moving economies and to "enhance and ensure the equitable
distribution of benefits from the development of the living marine resources to the people
of Kiribati on a sustainable level". Through this policy, both local and overseas
companies are encouraged to invest in the commercial exploitation of inshore and reef
fisheries resources such as, lobsters, octopus, aquarium fish, sharks (for their fins), sea
cucumber and reef-fish. Recently, the groupers have been exploited for live reef-fish
markets in Hong Kong.
With its vast marine area combined with scattered Atolls across the Equator, the Fisheries
Division of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development has been tasked
to managed and developed on a sustainable manner, the Nation's marine resources on
behalf of its growing population, which in 1995 the total population was 78,000 of which
37% were residing on South Tarawa alone. This proportion increased in 2000 to 43% of
84,494 who are now residing on the capital island (Census, 1995; Census 2000). .
With these problems combined with a fast population growth, which was estimated at
2.3% and was expected to increase to 3.1%, conserving the marine biodiversity of the
country is being challenged as the population growth continues to rise at an alarming
rate and the Fisheries Division has left with no choice but to try and come up with
management regimes that are conducive with economic development.
1.2. Long term goals and objectives for 2003
The long-term goal is to try and maximize benefit from these resources and at the same
time ensures that resources are being utilized on a sustainable manner. The priority
objectives and strategies as stated in the National Development Strategies for 2000-
2003, is summarized below:
• Develop a domestically based fishing industry
• Monitor, control and surveillance of inshore and offshore fisheries
• Manage and conserve marine resources on a sustainable basis
• Develop aquaculture and mariculture farming of fish and marine species
• Identify specific marine commodities having highest commercial feasibility
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
• Develop human resource and national capacity building
To achieve the above objectives, the new government focus its attention on the
development of fisheries resources by changing the former portfolio from the Ministry of
Natural Resources Development to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources
Development. The Fisheries Division is further divided into different units namely
aquaculture, commercial development, licensing, statistical, research, training and
education, extension and Fisheries Sub-Division for the Line and Phoenix development
(Figure 1).
LEGEND
FLEU- Filhtrinl.icfflilg& Enf«01mt111!.kll
FETI-Filheril1Ex1tnsion, Tt1ining& lnform1tion
FSOO-Fftlin&ib-Oi.iloftOff"a
MRAM • M1rile Ruources AIMl$ffllRI &
Montorr'lil
FHIC • Filhetits Hl1chlriH & lnwlfltwltt OJl:111'1
FADU • Fill'l.-itl Aqu1eullUl'I &Devtloprnei,t Uni:
S&T- StlCUCumbtr& TIOChla
SFOIFO • S.niorf"lltltonOffictrlFlltltrits Offic•
MO/ME· M1rt11 Offic1r/Mal'il1 E119irN'
AFO-Assilcll\\lFINlilSOb
AVA-AllllrllilnVoi-intwAbrold
MFMII • Muter Fllhlffl'IIN'lillri'le Mectlll\\i:
NOC· NlticnlObN1Yt11COOfl!li'lt10r
SFA. Senior Fishllitl Allisllnt
FAMA· FINrielAlfliantMlltche,yANiltl.1:
SOTIDT • S.niorOlta Ttchnicilln,tlata Technici1n
Figure 1. Fisheries Division Organisational Chart developed in 2003.
With the formation of the new government the new objectives of the Fisheries Division
are as follows;
1.
Enhance Government revenues generated from the sustainable
utilisation of marine resources
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
2.
Create employment opportunities through post-harvest or
downstream processing and increased participation in fisheries
3.
Maximise with impartial distribution the economic benefits to I-Kiribati
from the sustainable utilisation and cultivation of aquatic resources
4.
Enhance the conservation and manaqementof the fisheries resources
5.
Promote transparency and accountability in coastal fisheries
management
In laying a sound foundation for the year 2004 to achieve the new government policies
.. . and target objectives, this annual report will browse _through the achievements obtained
in 2003 and identify weaknesses encountered by the various Sections of the Division that
will form part of the Division's activity plan for the year 2004. This report will also
identify other development activities that will compliment the government objectives of
"enhancing and ensuring the equitable distribution of benefits from the development of
the living marine resources to the people of Kiribati on a sustainable level". This report
will focus mainly on the six sections namely, the Marine Research, Resource Assessment
and Monitoring, Sea cucumber hatchery, Fisheries Economics and Development, Fisheries
Licensing and Enforcement, the Data Collection and Analysis section, the Black Pearl
project, and lastly the Fisheries Education and Training Section.
2. ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
2.7.2.8. MARINE RESEARCH. RESOURCE ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING UNIT
The Marine Research, Resources Assessment & Monitoring (MRRAM) Unit is a newly
established Unit. It was formed in 1998 to undertake the stated mission: To effectively
and efficiently assess and identify, monitor and provide fisheries statistical reports,
important for the management and the sustainable utilization of the marine resources of
Kiribati.
The main objectives of the MRRAM Unit are as follows:
• To identify the status of, pressure on, and options and priority actions for the
conservation and sustainable use of our national inshore and coastal marine
resources.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
• To come up with biological parameters of commercially important fish species
through surveys, essential requirements of the fisheries assessment and
management of these fish species.
• To monitor the impact of fishing effort on the targeted fish yields and species
interaction in our inshore and coastal marine ecosystem.
• To monitor the impact of developments, population growth and habitat
destruction to fish yield and species interaction in our inshore and coastal marine
ecosystem
• To come up with management and conservation plans for various commercially
important fish species targeted in the Live Reef Fish Trade and other commercial
fisheries activities.
2.1.1. Activities Performed by MRRAM Unit in 2003
2.1.1.1. GIS Set-up in Fisheries
The use of a Geographical Information System (GIS) using a MAPINFO software is now
used by the Unit to monitor all fishing and research activities carried out in the country.
The initial plan for this was to monitor coral reef and ciguatera affected reefs for the
general status by using ocean colour images of the three Kiribati groups. The ocean
colour could be used to identify areas/location such as live coral, dead coral, seagrass,
sand banks, beach etc. However, since this tool has many applications it could be fully
utilized with the fisheries. Currently it is now being applied to show the number of
fishing households on South Tarawa with the number of fishing equipment and boat they
have. SOPAC is offering training and assistance on this GIS set-up.
2.1.1.2. Investigation of Algal bloom at Betio
On 7 July 2003, fishermen from Betio reported to fisheries that there is an algal bloom at
Temakin. Previously there have been reports by fishermen on Betio more specifically
near the area that is being affected by the rising in the number of seaweed within that
area. With this disturbance, the fishermen claim that the number of fish around the area
is scarce. This may not be true ecologically as the seaweed would be acting, as a refuge
place for the fish, nonetheless there may be effects that could be considered with regard
to this belief. The sites was visited a day later on the 8 July 2003 where samples were
collected and brought back to Fisheries Headquarter for identification.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
The species Eucheuma denticulatum, is a commercial species with the trade name of
"Spinosum" . The seaweed around the area has a range of epiphytes growing on it.
The dominating epiphyte is most probably Graci/aria sp. Atoll Seaweed does not export
the algae Gracilaria commercially. This is a seaweed species which growth well in the
wild. It is also common on most island lagoons of the Gilberts islands.
Figure 2.1.2: Site where algal bloom broke out
Figure 2.1.3: Subsiding algal bloom at Temakin
Point
2.1.1.3. Investigating the event of fish dying at Temakin Point
During the low tide of 30 October, it was reported by fishers in the area that
fishes are dying at the area located from Temakin Point to half way along the lagoon side
on the beach and mud flat to the Betio Hospital. Heaps of same seaweed "Spinosum"
was found everywhere along the coastline. The dying fishes may have something to do
with elevated nutrient levels resulting in algal blooms. The algal blooms in some way
may have contributed to the death of fishes, probably toxicity or the stripping of oxygen
from the water resulting in the high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and non-
availability of oxygen for the fish.
Figure 2.1.4: Image of Betio, Temakin Point where algal bloom and fish death occurred.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
The results of the analysis were still not yet available from Heath Laboratory in Betio.
Laboratory personnel there reported that the equipment that could perform the analysis
is out of order.
Figure 2.1.5: Cadavers of Gerres sp. and
thick Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus
Figure 2.1.6: Carangoides orthogrammus on
washed ashore seaweed
Fish species found dead on the event of this algal bloom at Temakin, Betio are listed in
Table 2.1.1.
Table 2.1.1: Species affected by the algal bloom
Species
Ge!n'ssp.
Herklotsichthys quadrimacu/atus
Siderea thyrsoldea (cf)
Number or Fish death <estimation)
>15
>50
i::3
2.1.1.4. Investigating of large die-off of coral reef fish on Abemama Island
The mass mortality of fish was first reported from Abaiang and was later reported from
Abemama towards the end of 2003. In confirming the occurrence of this phenomena
one staff of the Unit was sent to Abemama to collect samples and more information on
the species affected by this
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Figure 2.1.1. 7: Melichthys niger washed ashore. Figure 2.1.1. 8: Dying fish on Tabontebike,
Abemama
Figure 2.1.1.8: Acanthurus thompsoni (cf).
Figure 2.1.1.9: Large die-off of reef fish washed
ashore on Abemama Island ocean side.
Fish species, which were found washed ashore, are listed in Table 2.1.2 with the
estimated density per m2 along the coast from Temanoku to Tabiang.
Table 2.1.2: List of species affected by the phenomena
Species
Melichthys niger
Arothron hispidus (cf)
Scarus robroviolaceus
Aphareus rotians
Valamugil seheli (cf)
Etelis carbuncu/us (cf)
Serresspp.
Signus argenteus
Epinephelus coero/eopunctatus
Naso unicornis
Acanthurus /eucocheilus (cf)
Acanthurus thompsoni
Lethrinus ramak
Acanthurus lineatus
Kiribati Name
Te bubutakataka
Te Bukin rin
Te aua
Te arataba
Te ninimai
Te kuau
Te bokaboka
Density of Fish death Cm2)
15.0
0.20
0.70
0.025
0.50
0.025
0.20
0.20
0.30
0.70
0.60
0.10
0.10
0.70
The event on large die-off of reef fish that occurred recently has been reported from
another place in the region (Nauru), which also experiences this mass fish mortality. The
same phenomena do also occur on Aranuka, Kuria, Nonouti and Tabiteuea.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
2.1.1.5. Live Reef Fish Food Trade and Ciguatera
For this year there is only one company involved in the trade known as Lucky Bright
(Asia) Co. Ltd. This company was registered as a joint venture company between a
foreign and a local company during November. On 26 December 2003, their first
shipment of 20.3 tonnes was exported to Hong Kong. Most of the species targeted are
listed in Figure 2.1.1.10
Figure 2.1.1.10: High value species targeted in the Live Reef Food Fish Trade. From left to right;
Plate I: Plectropomus laevis-Te awabwebwe, Plate 2: Epinephelus
polyphekadion-Kua n Tarawa, Plate 3: Plectropomus areolatus-Te uanati, Plate
4: E. maculatus-Te kuau, Plate 5: Vario/a louti-Te bukitaakeiau, Plate 6: E.
fuscoguttatus-Te Bakati, Plate 7: E. cyanopodus-Te Bwaru, Plate 8: Cheilinus
undulatus-Te Karon.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
Research conducted in previous years by the unit gave indications that there was some
declines to some extend (Awira, 1998) as shown by the results of the underwater visual
census surveys conducted on Butaritari, Marakei, Abaiang, Nonouti and Tabnorth from
1997 to 1999 (Figure 2.1.1.11 and Table 2.1.3). There was no company operating in
2002, which may help in the recovery of the fishery.
The preliminary finding obtain from the survey do confirm that the current fishing effort
now applied in the grouper and wrasse fishery on the three target islands (Butaritari,
Nonouti and Tabnorth in the late 1990's) shows that the level of fishing activity on the
targeted islands have affect the average mean density of serranids in the surveyed areas
as compared to non-target islands. The live fish trade was first started in 1995 and with
the level of impact now experienced on the target island within this very short period of
time (1997 to 1999) there is a need to properly managed this fishery to allow the
operators and the resource owners to benefit on a long term.
Table 2.1.3: Reef area and the mean density of grouper species (utun te kuau) and parrot fish (utun
te karon) species on target and non-target islands surveyed between 1997 and 1999.
Islands
Butaritari (target island) -
surveyed in 1997
Marakei (non-target
island) - surveyed In
1997
Nonouti (target island) -
surveyed in 1998
TabNorth (target island) -
surveyed in 1998
Abaiang (target island) -
surveyed in 1999
Survey Method
Fixed
Transect
(SxSOl
Fixed
Transect
(SxS0)
Fixed
Transect
(5x50)
Fixed
Transect
(Sx50)
SPC's Distant
Sampling
UVC method
Lagoon area
(Kml)
295.77
Reef
area
(Km 1)
87.61
N/a
N/a
459.30
90.0
647.2
148.4
254 .81
72.76
Fish mean
Density/m1
(Grounen)
0.0021
(±0.0437)
0.0047
(:1:0.00501)
0.0040
(±0.0538)
0.0011
(±0,0327)
0.0047
(±0.0231)
Fish mean
Density/m1
(Wrasse)
0.0016
(±0.0842)
0.0043
(:1:0.0762)
0.0028
(±0.0641)
0.0025
(±0.00387)
0.0014
(±0.0055)
2.1.1.6. Ciguatera
Ciguatera survey is an on-going activity. However, due to faulty diving gears and the
unavailability of a diving compressor it was focused on Tarawa only (Figure 2.1.1.12).
Sites previously surveyed in 2002 were updated, while Bikenibeu and Temaiku sites were
not updated this year due to the constraints mentioned earlier, however, the result for
2002 (Table 2.1.3) was presented once again and the extent at which ciguatera
poisoning is affecting areas around Tarawa.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
Table 2.1.3 : To show densities of Gambiedicus toxicus taken from samples
around Tarawa
Site no and name
1 Abaokoro west reef
2 Abaokoro west reef
3 Abaokoro laooon
4 Betio Passage
5 Betio Temakin
6 Betio DN causeway
7 Bairiki west reef
8 Bikenibeu Old TCH
9 Temwaiku China Embassy
10 Tanaea reef flat
Density cells/grams
0.00
0.10
0.00
1.00
16.30
5.7
21.65
6.90
7.20
0.10
Figure 2.1.11: Map of Tarawa showing sampling sites for ciguatera monitoring
2.1.1.7. Coral Reef monitoring
The monitoring site at Abaokoro, sites 1 and 2 that was set-up in 2002 was
heavily damaged during the 2002/2003 strong winds, which occurred at the end of 2002
and at the beginning of 2003. Coral transplanting was performed to the site during the
first half of year in order to help coral recover in the area. During the last visit to the
site, the corals were intact onto the concrete slap that they were attached to. Signs of
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
coral bleaching and dead corals from coral bleaching are present at the sites, most
evidently at site 1.
2.2. FISHERIES ECONOMICS AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT.
The unit is responsible for conducting exploratory fishing using newly introduced fishing
methods appropriate and viable to adopt for the development of tuna industry in the
country. In addition, the unit is also responsible for assisting island councils with
fabrication and deployment of shallow water FADs. The unit concentrates on the longline
fishing trial using the Fisheries Division modified prototype catamaran longline fishing
vessel namely 'Tekokona II" Figure 2.2.1.
Figure 2.2.l : Local designed longline vessel, Tekokona II moored next to the Fish
farm channel.
The maintenance work is required to both beams, including fibre glassing the outrigger.
It was started from the 27til of October 2003 and continued until the beginning of 2004.
The construction of FAD in outer islands as part of the unit activities has not been
undertaken, since there was no reply from island councils for the need of this activity.
2.2.2. Fabrication of FADs
There was no written reply to the letters dated on the 27til of February 2003 that had
been sent to all island councils for the construction of FAD. However, there were verbal
responses from Tamana, Arorae and Marakei councils on the need of FAD construction.
These replies imply that there was a need for FAD but they could not afford the required
amount of money for this activity.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
Table 2.2.1: List of FADs materials and costing
MATERIALS
a. I00m x 22mm diameter polypropylene rope
b. 5mm x 14mm diameter chain
c. 4ocs x 6fts x ¾ inch diameter iron rod
<l. 2pcs x 1.5m x 3 inch diameter gal rod
e. 4ocs x 25mm diameter shackles
f. 3pcs x 22mm diameter swivel
g. 26ocs x Eva - floats
h. 22m x 22mm dia., nylon rope
UNIT PRICE
$2.15 /m
$44 .10/ m
$ 18.00 each
$28.70 each
$14.40 each
$37.25 each
$12.00 each
$2 .95 /m
Total Cost
TOTAL COST
$215.00
$220. 50
$72.00
$57.40
$57 .60
$111.75
$312 .00
$64.90
Sl,111.15
2.2.3. Longline fishing trips and catch details
The first trip of the year 2003 was conducted around the Central Gilbert Group. The
Fisheries Division Master Fishermen (Temwang Tebwateki), Staff of the capture Section
and member of the public were invited to join the trip as part of the Section's programme
to promote and train members of the public in the longlinning fishing operation (Table
2.2.2). The total number of private fishermen trained during the five trips was 7 before
Tekokona II ceased its fishing trips due to the major repairs to its beams and hull.
Malanals
E 1no 34.230'
N DOo 32.192'
1/
E 1720 27.673'
S 00o 05.868'
Start of hau 1ng
\\ ,, /
Set No1 of Trip No 1/03'-""/" I E 1720 43_6•
,,- •· St~rt of hauling
,· Set No2 of Trip No1103
,' NOOo27 .9'
/
E 1720 19.~91'
H Oo 33.861' '·,
\\
1 I Start of setting__,
/ Set No1, ,oti rip No11Q,l ---··/
,<'.~-•<\\ End of hauling
··->' \\, . /
·'
Set Nol ctTrip No1103 *-;,I .;-·
--•"
E 1720 36.146'
S 00o0U32'
Sm1 of s111ting
Set No2 ofTrip Mo1 ,IJ3
~~~!o~:~l ,., . / .~•.•·J_:::-:/~~-
End of ;;ettmg ,....- •·
SetNo 1 of Tnp No1/03
,, ,,✓·',* * ---....._________ .. ...·:--- -
E 1720 21.045'
S OOo 12.045'
'\\
•
End of hauling
-
Set No2 cfTrip No1103 Kuria Is
E 1720 40.00'
S OOo 11.983'
Er,d of setting
Set Nc2 ofTrip No1/03
)
Figure 2.2.2: Setting and hauling locations for Trip 1/03 for Tekokona II.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
7
-6
.c 5
:C:J, ! 4
uca
zci
3
2
0
YFT
Trip 1/03
BET
ALB
SHARK
Fish Species
OTHERS
100
80
oi
60 ~
l:
~ 40 Cl
20
0
Figure 2.2.3: Catch composition of trip 1/03. YFT - Yellowfin; BET-Bigeye tuna;
ALB-Albacore
As depicted in Figure 2.2.2 the fishing operation was conducted SSW of Maiana and SSW
of Kuria with catches comprises of albacore, sharks and other fish species such as billfish
and log associated fish species such as trigger fish (Figure 2.2.3). The total number of
sets achieved in the first trip was only 2 and this arises from the low quantity of ice
brought and the low number of milkfish baits produced by the Fish Farm at Temaiku. In
these location there is no target species caught as shown in the composition of landed
catch in Figure 2.2.3.
P. HJo 8.0II'
N10 13,70,
S1art of hauling
E173o 10,J0W
Nlo 10.232'
" Eo~ of setting
E1730 21.4491'
N 1o 09.520'
set Mo! ofTnp No210, ·· Set IM ofTrlp Nc2/0, ~t;;rt ofhauling ,
\\ E 17Jo §0.71I'
Set No1 ofTrip O,lll3
P. 17Jo 04.7'
N1o12.352'
°',·,NE1Mo nO,,.5h0a'u.ling ,
\\ SatNoHrip 1)2/0~
~-. I.
\\;
'
i
//
,/
E 1740 05.60'
NDo 57.80'
,EndorsetJnc
Sta1 orsetting
\\... \\,
Set Na1 OfTrip No2/0 J
/ E ,·1;,
1730 ~9.290'
!set No2 orTnpNo2/03
i
E 1720 53.41r
\\ \\ . I \\ I H 1o 03.814'
-~ 10 28.JO'_ ·---------- ------~ \\ \\ , ., ! ' / End of hauling _. .. . ..;. ...
.J ··/\\ · ~,art of haulrog emo 53.40':::-\\-\\:-,_ .l'\\,.. ··
·setNol of'i'npNo2,U3,/
---•,,'!> oaWoS T1lp 02/0) Nla lUO'
i j \\ / --------"'
,
*·., ,' ,. ,. E1no 12.00'
Eoij ofhaullog <,;;.'l'J ;,-
Ema 10.!0
* N101.00'
SetMo5 02/03
Start of haulii~ - -- --·
·, *✓-'"
Y
•-
.
,,.,•·
•-· *
L'
./
NDo 57.80
Start of setting
··· Tarawa ls
Set NoJ oflrip No2J0J
-~;,.,,,/ _,.?! \\
//.//
'
Set No2 ofTrip fJ o2,1J3
_,,/"_.
,,
\\ E 113a 47.80'
E 1730 ~2.10' --
H1• 2U2'
Ena or hauling
Set Nol ofTrip Nol/OJ
//
E 17Jo 45.71'
NOo59.~e•
N10 0.70'
Eod of hauling
serno, oflnp 02/0 l
siart erhaylir,g
S,t Nol orTripIMmJ
Figure 2.2.4: Setting and hauling locations for Trip 2/03 for Tekokona II.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
10
8
:E
Cl
:I
6
Cu Q
z0 4
2
0
YFT
Trip 2/03
BET
ALB · SHARK
Fish Species
Oll-lERS
40
35
l 30 -
25
20 :E
15 ·?
10 ~
5
0
Figure 2.2.5: Catch composition for Trip 2/03 for Tekokona II. YFT- Yellowfin;
BET-Bigeye tuna; ALB-Albacore
Five sets were made during the second trip with most of the catches comprising mostly
of Yellowfin and other fish species usually aggregating around drifting logs (Figure 2.2.5).
Their fishing location was mostly concentrated due west of Tarawa for the last set and
SSE of Tarawa for the four sets (Figure 2.2.4). Only five yellowfins were caught in this
location with their individual weight way below the sashimi grade standard (Grade 1
standard 30+ kg whole weight for Yellowfin and 40+ kg whole weight for bigeye tuna),
showing that the gear does not fish at a proper depth and this was further confirmed by
the Masterfishermen in which he reported that the current was very strong in these
location, preventing the gear to sink down to its fishing depth which was between 100 to
200 metres below the surface. The depth of the mixed layer was estimated at 100 m for
the equator and the average depth of the 15° C isotherm was estimated at 200 m.
These are the two important factors to consider in setting the longline depths as it affects
the horizontal distribution of the high value tuna species such as bigeye and yellowfin
tuna. In most cases a good fishing depth to target large tunas for a longline gear, should
not go below the depth of a 15° C isotherm (Beverly et al, 2003).
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
E 173oU0'
N Do 8.40'
End of set1 1ng
Set No3 Trip 03ill3 \\
/ E 1730 7.90'
:_ NOo 3,90'
/ Sta1t of hauling
/ Sel No3 Trio 03,03
\\
E 1730 1.10' '
NOoJ.90'
\\ . End of selling
Sel No3 Trip 03I03
E'73o31.20'
! :NDo ,uo·
/ / Slart of Hauling
/ Set No2 03,03
/ / E 1730 5UO'
/ I NDo 39.40'
/ / / End of hauling
/ /,
\\ / ,/ .\\
,.
•. .,.'tit,' ' ,i,
1'
;,_,,,,,..
Set No2 03,03
E 1730 30.30'
,, .. S Do 11.30'
,,,.__,-
Start of hauling
Set No1 Trip 03,03
Tare.we.ls
I•
E H3o 7.90'
N 0o 0.90'
Start of setting
Set No3 Trip 03,03
E 1730 52.60'
S 0o 42.60'
End of hauling
Se1 rJo1 Trip D3i03
Arariukals
Figure 2.2.6: Setting and hauling locations for Trip 3/03 for Tekokona II.
5
.. 4
.c
Cl
~
3
Ill
CJ
zci 2
0
YFT
Trip 3/03
BET
ALB
SHARK
Fish species
OTHERS
140
120
100 -
Cl
80 ~
l:
60 Cl
I 40
20
0
Figure 2.2.7: Catch composition for Trip 3/03 for Tekokona II. YFT - Yellowfin; BET-
Bigeye tuna; ALB-Albacore.
In the third trip one grade 1 bigeye tuna was caught weighing 41.3 kg. The fishing
locations (Figure 2.2.6) were concentrated around the Central Gilbert Group with the
furthest sites NNE of Abemama and West of Nonouti. The bycatch includes sharks and
log associated fish species and billfish (Figure 2.2.7). Three successful settings was
made in this trip.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
Tarawa ls
E 1730 :W.80'
E 1T4o 15.00"
N 1o 00.60" ,,,,••.
End of haui>ng
·-·--
; N 1o 15.00'
/ End of setting
/
Set Nol Trip 04,ffi
Set No2 04,1)3
~
...
. . ..... .. .. .,,.._;;},;.
* I v \\ / / E 173050.)0'
,
N 1a OG.10
Start of setting
E 1730 4 3 . 7 0 - - - - 1f' , / \\
* ' N 1o 19.90'
/
1) / /!fit,---N End of hauling
Set No1 Trip 04,03
E 17'o 1810'
Do 56.70'
Set No1 Trip 04/03
"'-
Start of s•tting
/
, , Set No2 Trip C4iffi
/
.
I
E 173u 46.20'
,
I
N 1o 13.10' .
/
Start of hau:ing
/
Set No1 Trip 04,U3
I
I
.
E 1740 13.50' '.
N Do 58.30' .
Start oi hauling
Set No2 Trip 04,m
' E mo 23 oo·
II Oo 58 70'
Start of ~etliric
.-
Set No2 Tap 04,03
Figure 2.2.8: Setting and hauling locations for Trip 4/03 for Tekokona II
2.5
2
l:
..,Cl
:I
1.5
Ill
zci
0.5
0
YFT
Trip 4/03
BET
ALB
SHARK
Fish species
OTI-ERS
50
40
..-;;
30 ~
.c
20 .'!!!
CII
10 3=;
0
Figure 2.2.9: Catch composition for Trip 4/03 for Tekokona II. YFT - Ye\\lowfin; BET-
Bigeye tuna; ALB-Albacore
The fourth fishing trip was focused around SE of Tarawa and north to NE of Abemama
(Figure 2.2.8). catch level was very low as compared to the 3 trips with catches for the
3 species of fish not more that 2. Two yellowfins was landed but with their whole weight
way below the grade 1 standard, with each fish weighing less than 20 kg (Figure 2.2.9).
Three sets were made during this trip.
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E 1730 36.223'
N 1o 26.592'
Start of hauling
E 173o 36.818'
NSta1r0t
25
of
-s6e4t2tir',g
,....
E· 1730
18 865'
•
E 17S3eol 1NJo_3190Tr(p 05.~3
N 1 27.948 •...
Start of hauling•"•,
E 173 31.770'
..
Set No31Trip 05,D3 E 1730 23 194'
.
N 1o 31 .745' - - ...:,..,,_.,
, _,...
,,-
N
10
00_117_,
End of selling
·· .•• ...__
: End of setting
/ NE 1o 29,948'
1 -rid of hauling
1·•
S8IN04
T·
np
"n"c'r"o-,'
----- ~=~------------ Set No4 Trip 05/03 '·,•..• Set No2 Trip 05103
:: :- .., , ' i /
Set Nol_!i:i_e_~) - - E 1730 39.298'
EN1lo73300.1492394' 8,
•,_ ..c.:c,:---cc..::c -----·-·····-- Y° ·-'• i -J-·
·····t •'°'·('·:Cf-j.. ·····f1731s.287'
N 1o 31.985'
End of hauling
Start of setting
.~ !,,...,;'IC/.... : N 1o 08.1ff
Set No2 Tnp 05,{!3
Set No4 of"frip OMJ3
..
...... --·
":/,.
. ,7
,.< /--- ~·;/ . -✓f
*~ ,
·.../ Stirt of sethng. _
. · -.!:)_el Nol Tno 05,1:J~
E 1730 32.273'
--- - --··
/ / ./' c° •
• / ·(:··
N 1o 25.39'
,,.,,,..,,.
:
End of setting
Set No3 Trip 05.~3
/,,,✓.,,... ,,...,,,,.~·,....-
l
,,/ E 173 29.45'
'
, / N 1o 29.745'
. / ",.
Starl of seHing
_. .
Tarawa Is
Set No2 Tnp ~ - .. ·
E 1730 26.360'
' · N 1008.160'
Start of hauling
., Set t~o1 Trip No 05/03
E 1130 42.6U'
N 1o 32.3113'
E 1730 13773'
N 1o 26.094'
End of setting
Set No4 Trip 05,03
j
E 1730 36.223'
N 1o 26.592'
Start of hauling
Set No3 Tri 05,1)3
', E 1730 26.360'
N 1o U40'
End of hauling
Set Nol Trip 05,1)3
End of hauiing
Set No3 Tr'p 05/03
Figure 2.2.10: Setting and hauling locations for Trip 5/03 for Tekokona II
10
-8
.&!
:C:,l 6
uIQ
zci 4
2
0
YFT
Trip 5/03
BET
ALB
S1-4ARK
Fish species
OTHERS
120
100
-80 ci
:!.
60 .&!
Cl
40 ~
20
0
Figure 2.2.11: Catch composition for Trip 5/03 for Tekokona II. YFT - Yellowfin; BET-
Bigeye tuna; ALB-Albacore
The last fishing trip of the year was carried· out around Tarawa and Maiana (Figure
2.2.10). Four sets were made in this trip and 8 yellowfins were landed and the rest were
bycatch which includes shark and other fish normally associated with floating logs. From
the eight yellowfins landed, 3 were grade 1 standards weighing more than 30 kg (Figure
2.2.11). During the five fishing trips made in 2003, a total of six fishermen from the
private sector, who have submit their interest to observe and learn longline and fish
handling skills, have joined the crew of the Tekokona II in the carrying out the longline
fishing trials through out the trial period.
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2.2.4. catch compostion 2003
In comparing catch rate from 2000 to 2003 the total catch recorded for that periods
shows that the major portion of the catch was yellowfin tuna with 46% of the total
weight of the landed catch for the three years (Figure 2.2.12)
OTHERS
44%
ALB BET
1% 9%
YFN
46%
Figure 2.2.12: Catch composition of Tekokona II longline trial in 2003. YFN -
Yellowfin, BET- Bigeye tuna, ALB - Albacore, Others include billfish,
sharks, etc.
.s::. 80
.C.:/1
"Cl
60
C: ...
Cl .S::.
J!l g' 40
QI Cl
C/1 (J
0 20
zc:i
0
2000
2001
2002
Year
2003
Ill] No of sets
• YFN
OBET
• ALB
• OTHERS
Figure 2.2.13: Annual catch in kg and number of fish caught as
compared to the number of sets.
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2.3. MARICULTURE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
2.3.1. Sea cucumber breeding and Enhancement Program
Successful spawning and rearing techniques have been established and attained by local staff.
This is possible through a pioneering output of OFCF technical expert who managed and
transfer the required knowledge to staff involve with the project. There are approximately
140,000 total juveniles (young) of sea cucumber that have been reared and released in Tarawa
lagoon and recently this year in Abaiang (Table 2.3.1.1 & 2.3.1.2). Plans are underway to
reseed or release our hatchery reared sea cucumber in all islands of Kiribati.
The hatchery's main objective is to maximise the production of the two specified species for
restocking the Kiribati inshore waters for the generation of income. In addition all scientific
findings will be used as baseline information for the future development of mariculture research
and a sustainable cottage industry.
2.3.1.1. Breeding and Reseeding programme
Trochus ( Trochus niloticus) is an alien species introduced to Kiribati from Fiji, for expansion
of marine biological diversity and to provide alternative income generating acitivities on non-
lagoon islands of the country. Trochus shell was exported from Vanuatu and other regional
nations for button, decoration and curio productions. Natural/ induced spawning and rearing
of these species can be easily achieved to produce juveniles or young trochus in our facility.
Since the species is new, restocking and monitoring will prevail initially until the resource is
sufficient enough to cater for harvesting for commercial export. To date, there are
approximately 4,000 reared juveniles (young) of trochus released in Marakei, Tarawa and
Abaiang outer reefs. To determine their growth rate in the wild each shells were marked and
their shell length measured before they are released for different size class (Figure 2.3.1.1).
Future plan includes nourishing first non-lagoonal islands of Kiribati with this program and then
proceeded with the rest. At this stage, experiments are still carried out on the better habitat,
measures against potential predators and reseeding/releasing techniques. Once problems are
ironed out, the trochus project will be in full swing.
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Figure 2.3.1.1: Hatchery reared trochus marked before release on Abaiang.
Figure 2.3.1.2: Fibreglass raceways used for rearing juvenile trochus and sea
cucumber at the Sea cucumber/trochus hatchery at Fisheries Division in
Tanaea.
Table 2.3.1.1: List of trochus brood stock and the number of juveniles released to the wild for trochus and
white teatfish in 2003
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
Sea cucumber
NQ reseeded
(2-3cm)
None
69,600
157,400
None
None
223
Location
None
Betio
Betio
None
None
Abaianq
Trochus
NQ reseeded (35- Location
45cm)
150
Marakei
None
None
3,877
Temaiku
None
None
280
Bonriki
670
Abaianq
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Several spawning inductions of trochus were done towards the end of the same year, while on
the other hand a stock build up of H. fuscogi/va through proper collection arrangement with
WKK was also made. The stock will be used exclusively used for intensive spawning inductions in
2004.
2.3.1.2. Hatchery culture programme
Since we still require a few more sea cucumber to carry out our spawning runs, trochus
juvenile rearing and growth monitoring still is very important in this hatchery. In addition
attached diatoms are usually cultured and fertilised as feed for these trochus.
Growth graphs of hatchery cultured trochus for each different raceway (Figure 2.3.3)
Trochus growth graphs 2003
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Time
Figure 2.3 .1.3: Growth monitoring of juvenile raised T.niloticus (Baraitoa) at the Sea
cucumber hatchery from various raceways for six different size classes.
2.3.1.3. Algae Culture
The culture of algae is an important component of land based culture, especially in
rearing hatchery bred white teat fish sea cucumber larvae as these algae is an important food
component of the larvae. Algae culture maintenance for all our specimens are usually done
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
every month. Liquid media are used for this exercise due to the shortage of agar mediums,
where different algae brought from Japan (temperate species) are cultured in test tubes (Figure
2.3.1.4) in an enclosed air-conditioned laboratory. Once a certain concentration is reached the
algae are further transferred to a larger culturing vessel.
Figure 2.3.1.4: Test tube culture of algae used for feeding trochus and sea cucumber
larvae
Chaetoceros muellert Isochrisis ga/bana, Nano and Navicu/ar species are cultured and maintained
as feed for sea cucumber and trochus. New stock of feeds, which we obtained from pearl
hatchery, is also maintained for the same purpose. This activity requires careful observations
under our lab light microscopes.
2.3.1.4. Broodstock collections and spawning runs (Sea cucumber)
At least several collection trips for H fuscogi/va have been made. Since we don't have the
required diving gears to collect our own breeding stock, WKK have been collecting for our use.
However, we still require more stock to run our first spawning induction, which is scheduled for
2004. Previous stocks collected from Abaiang have died for unknown reasons as earlier reported
in the starting year. As compared to previous years (Table 2.3.1.2) there has been no spawning
run for sea cucumber due to the unavailability of good diving equipments that will be used for
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
the collection of our brood stock from the wild. As normally done brood stocks were normally
bought from WKK divers but in 2003 they are operating outside Tarawa.
Table 2.3.1.2: Annual production of the hatchery bred trochus and white teat fish.
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
Sea cucumber
Spawnin2 run
2
3
3
I
3
None
Production
367
120,750
250,000
None
<10,000
None
Trochus
Spawnln2 run
None
3
None
None
3
2
Production
None
19,285
None
None
Not counted yet
Not counted yet
Figure 2.3.1.5: Plate 1: Close view of a spawning sea cucumber. Plate 2: White teat sea
cucumber spawned in raceways. Plate 3 & 4: Juvenile sea cucumber.
2.3.2. Black Pearl Production and Enhancement.
The year 2003 saw many achievements that include the establishment of a seeding house and
the first batch of pearls. Despite the low number of harvested pearls, the harvest of the pearls
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
itself was truly a remarkable experience for Kiribati. The colour of nacre shown by the pearls
was remarkable and they display an array of colours. Some of the truly spectacular colours
were gold and purple. With the establishment of the seeding house and most seeding procedures
and harvest was conducted on this structure.
Conditioning of oysters prior to seeding was one of a few key areas that were addressed in 2003.
With the help of a Fisheries Officer from the Cook Islands, and Project staffs working on the farm
were able to prepare oysters prior to seeding. Several thousands of oysters were also seeded
during the harvest that is a major milestone for Kiribati pearl industry in terms of research and
development. A total of 4,000 oysters were seeded this year and should be ready for harvest in 2
years time.
The hatchery at Tanaea is still producing spat to Abaiang and with the recent establishment of
experimental farms on other islands, more spat are produced to cater for such. There had been 5
spawning runs in 2003 and most of the spat were sent to Abemama, Onotoa and Butaritari for
growth monitoring purposes. Other extension work carried out by the project includes a spat-
collecting program conducted in Kiritimati. This activity was conducted in June 2003.
Despite all that have been achieved and there are still some minor issues that need to be tackled.
With the current number of 40-50,000 oysters and therefore it is necessary that staffs undergo
proper training in managing the farm. There are still 5,000 oysters to be seeded in 2004 and with
the current number of oysters on the farm, it could mean that more would be ready for seeding
in years to come.
2.3.2.1. Hatchery production
Three Fisheries staff currently run the pearl oyster hatchery at Tanaea. This year there has been
5 spawning runs. Each run produce on average a total of 2 million settled spat. The first
spawning run was conducted in Feb, the 2nd in April, 3rd run in June, 4th was in October and the
final spawning run was conducted in November 2003. Most of spat produced were sent to the
Butaritari, Onotoa and Abemama. Only 1 million settled spat were sent to Abaiang in May 2003.
Spat from the October and November runs are still in the hatchery. They will be transferred to
the outer islands for experimental purposes.
No method has been developed to count the actual number of larvae that are in the tanks after
settlement stage but an estimated 80% mortality in the tanks is envisaged. With this estimate
and at least more than 100,000 spat per spawning run is produced. Despite this vast number,
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2.3.2.3. The first harvest of pearls
The harvest of the first Kiribati pearls was conducted in early August 2003. A Japanese seeder,
Koichi Tsukamoto who initially seeded the oysters in August 2001 was engaged with the harvest.
Out of 260 remaining oysters from 1,000 oysters that were initially seeded and only 170 pearls
were harvested. The harvest showed remarkable colours and lustre. Despite the barogness or
unevenness of the pearls, colour and lustre were the two main factors that were most appealing.
The colour of the pearls showed variations and it was appealing to see colours such as gold and
purple/pink (Figure 2.3.1).
Figure 2.3 .1: Kiribati black pearls showing an array of colours
2.3.2.4. Quality
Quality of pearls is often attained by several factors. This includes roundness of the pearls, size,
lustre and colour. A perfect pearl would be perfectly round and large in size, preferably more
than 16mm in size, should have a thick and lustrous nacre with the most beautiful colour.
A total of 170 pearls were harvested from 268 oysters that were left. Only 19 of the pearls from
this harvest pearls showed near perfectness. Out of the 170 pearl oysters harvested pearls and
only 51 oysters were reseeded. There was a variation of colours in the pearls harvested and
some were purple, blue-green, yellow and sUver. One badly coated pearl showed goldness on
one side. This indicates that gold pearls can also be obtained from black-lip pearl oysters
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
only a few spat reach adult stage during nursery culture in the lagoon. Many factors contribute
to the high mortality and this includes fouling, siltation and, predation by crabs and cymatium
snail. For every run depending on settlement and each can produce approximately 20-30,000
adult oysters suited for the seeding procedure. It is therefore necessary to conduct at least more
than 4 spawning runs a year if a commercial scale farming is to be carried out.
With the larval rearing tank capacity of 10 million larvae per run and it is possible to reach a
settlement rate of more than 2 million larvae (approx. 20% survival rate). Despite having to
discard most of the surplus fertilized eggs during each spawning run and it is evident that with a
small scale hatchery, vast numbers of spat can be easily produced provided that algae feed and
rearing protocols are maintained during each spawning run. Bacterial during incubation at day O
is sometimes experienced but with two recent runs and the antibiotic Streptomycin was used at
lOppm to counter act or at least prevent bacterial problems. Bacterial problems are often evident
at day 1 after the 24 hr incubation period because of the build up of debris from the
accumulation of dead larvae and other reproductive matter secreted during the early embryonic
developmental stages.
Growth of pearl spat is slower compared to spat growing in the wild. However, survival is
significant in the hatchery because of exclusion of unfavorable factors including siltation, fouling
by barnacles, filamentous algae and other organisms, and predation by Cymatium sp. and crabs.
Present protocol requires growing spat to 'fingernail' size for 3-4 months before they are
transferred to Abaiang lagoon. Growing oysters to this size ensures maximum survival of spat
during lagoon grow out.
2.3.2.2. Pearl farm at Abaiang
There are 3 Fisheries Assistants involved with the farming of oysters and FA Tuake Teema is
responsible for the running of the farm after an AVI Scientist left in March 2003. Two local casual
laborers are engaged with the farming and are employed by the Project on a full time basis. The
specific role of the workers on the farm is to tend to the 50,000 oysters on a daily basis. Main
activities on the farm include tending of spat, cleaning of juvenile and adult oysters with the use
of a pressure cleaner and conditioning of oysters prior to seeding. Other activities include
maintenance of long lines, the cleaning raft and other gear.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
(Pindada margaritifera). In Indonesia and Australia gold pearls normally fetch a higher price
compared to the normal South Seas Pearls obtained from the silver-lip pearl oyster (P.
maxima). This again emphasized the fact that our pearls have the potential to exploit different
market niche. Meaning that the uniqueness colour of our pearls, especially gold and purple/pink
could be something that we can use as Kiribati product.
Currently and the pearls are being tested and analysed for their quality in Australia. The Project
Coordinator, Dr. Paul Southgate has taken the pearls to Australia to be analysed by a jeweller
who may be able to quantify the costs of such harvest.
Figure 2.3.2: Seeding platform on Abaiang (Plate I) and the harvest of pearls in progress
(Plate 2)
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
2.3.2.5. Preoperative procedure conducted at Abaiang
In conditioning the oysters, and Mr. Masters was able to condition more than 10,000 oysters.
The technique he employed was lowering the oysters to a depth of more than 35 ft and then
raising them up again to the surface. This procedure was carried out simply by submerging
the long line and then resurfacing it again after a period of 3 weeks. The unexpected tum up
of our Japanese seeder during the conditioning period made it impossible to continue with
the pre-operative procedure. Mr. Mataora Masters left just after the arrival of the Japanese
seeder after the end of his three weeks contract.
2.3.2.6. Seeding of pearl oysters
Koichi Tsukamoto conducted the second seeding of pearl oysters at the pearl farm at
Abaiang. The second seeding of pearl oyster was conducted at the same time with the first
harvest of pearls. A total of 4,000 oysters were seeded during the 3-week period. From the
4,000 oysters seeded and it was promising to see that a variety of saibo or mantle tissue
used. Gold, pink and peacock green were the 3 prime mantle colours that were used during
the seeding.
During the weeks of seeding and the dominant 'saibo' used was gold. Out of the 4,000
seeded oysters and approximately 70% golden coloured saibo were introduced. About 20%
were pink and 10% were peacock green. It is therefore possible to predict that most of the
harvest from this crop will constitute more golden pearls. Mr. Tsukamoto chose the golden
mantle because of its value in the world market. Mr. Tsukamoto stressed that golden pearls
normally fetch 2-3 times the cost of a normal peacock green or black, round pearl.
2.3.2.7. Postoperative Phase
Catch bags employed during the seeding were removed after a month. The removal of the
catch bags revealed that approximately 60% of the pearl oysters seeded retained their bead.
Out of the 4,000 oysters that were seeded this year and the total number of pearl oysters
that retained their beads accounts to 2,327 pieces. This was a big improvement from the first
seeding (2001) in which only 270 oysters out a 1,000 oysters retained their bead after a
month (27%). A total of 1,105 pearls oysters rejected their beads after a month.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
Mortality of oysters seeded was also experienced after a month. Mortality, however, was
minimal. A total of 581 out of 4,000 (~14%) oysters were found dead within the catch bags
after a month. Personal observation indicated that most of the dead seeded oysters were
those seeded with a large nucleus (>llmm in diameter).
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
To1alre1aned
Tolalrej! c t
To1alm ortalicy
Figure 2.3.3: Status of seeded oysters at Abaiang 2003.
2.3.2.8. Project extension to Other outer islands
The extension to other outer islands was carried out on different occasions in 2003. This
program has been carried in order to accomplish one of the Project's requirements. The
major objective of this extension is to carry out a trial farm on these islands in order to carry
out growth monitoring and foresee potential problems that may be encountered if actual
farming is to be carried out. Three islands have been chosen since they have lagoons and
also because pearl oysters are known to thrive there. The three islands chosen includes
Butaritari, Abemama and Onotoa. All the fisheries extension officers on these islands have
been trained on all aspects of pearl oyster farming, which includes husbandry and nursery
culture of pearl oysters and farming techniques.
2.3.2.9. Kiritimati Island Stock Survey & Spat Collector Deployment
On Kiritimati Island and site·s were surveyed for pearl oysters. Density of oysters was
determined using underwater visual census using SCUBA. With the help of fisheries staff and
most sites on the leeward side of the island were surveyed. A total of 16 sites were surveyed
in 4 days and depth varies between 2-15 metres at each site. A 50 metre transect line was
employed during the survey and the minimum number of oysters found at each site vary
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__ ____ -····--• .....pun ~uu;s
from 3 to 45 (minimum and maximum no., respectively). The mean density of oyster per
square meters was 0.032 (maximum density at Cook Islet channel with density of 0.09 m2).
This is approximately 20 times more the density of natural oysters found in Abaiang lagoon.
On Kiritimati Island and a single, 60 metre long line was also deployed for spat collection
purposes. The line was deployed near Paris on the leeward side of the island and was
submerged at the depth of 30 ft. So far and no spat and has been found on the collectors
except for other fouling bivalves. Samples received confirmed these findings.
2.3.2.10. Future Directions
The recent harvest of the first Kiribati pearls indicated that there is room for improvement on
what could become one of Kiribati's major export earner. After 10 years of ACIAR research
and it has been proven that pearls could be produced by supplying hatchery bred oysters to
lagoons that have limited number of natural stocks of pearl oysters.
The major areas that still needs to be looked into includes;
1. improvement of conditioning methods/techniques applied to oysters prior to seeding
2. investigation into planktonic levels in the lagoon of Abaiang
3. extension to remote parts of Kiribati including Christmas Island and Fanning Island
Christmas Island and Fanning Island are known to habit pearl oysters. Since these islands are
known destinations for tourists therefore development of a pearl culture industry needs to be
carried out on these islands. Round and half pearl production may form the basis of a cottage
industry on these islands and therefore it should be developed. Spat (juvenile oyster)
collection for the production of half and round pearls may form the basis of such industry and
therefore such activity needs to be investigated. If spat collection proves viable then local
people can be trained in spat collection and farming techniques.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
2.4. FISHERIES UCENSING & ENFORCEMENT SECTION - OFFSHORE
2.4.1. Target Objectives
1. Secures fisheries access agreements with foreign partners.
2. To promotes employment opportunities on foreign fishing vessels.
3. To Cooperate in monitoring, control and surveillance of our EEZ at regional and
national level.
4. To maintain the fisheries database management information system, simply known
as FMIS.
5. To carry out observer placements on foreign vessels to carry out scientific data
collection on catches and gear technology.
6. To carry out port sampling work to verify catches made by fishing vessels, and
dissemination of information.
2.4.2. Achieved Objectives
2.4.2.1. To secures fisheries access agreements with foreign partners.
In 2003 we have over 20 fishing agreements signed between Kiribati and offshore
fishing companies and associations. Several bilateral agreements (four) concerned with
providing bunkering services to licensed fishing vessels in Kiribati EEZ are also included. Most
of these fishing agreements are bilateral and only 2 that are of multilateral in nature. The
multilateral treaties include the US Treaty and the FSM Arrangement, which are currently
managed by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) on behalf of the 17 member countries. The
summary of licenses issued and revenue generated in 2003 is provided in Table 2.4.1.
Table 2.4.1: Fishing Access Revenue in 2003
Country
L/Liner
P/Seiner PfLiner
Bunker
Total
Japan
Taiwan
Korea
China
New Zealand
US Treaty
FSM Arrangem't
European Union
Others (taxes)
18
34
19
71
35
65
1
101
168
37
11
216
7
7
4
4
18
26
29
22
Total 221/lli
195/ill
19/,l
12/9 447/W
(Note: 2002 total is depicted as bold & underline while bold figures correspond to 2003)
Revenue
A$'000
4,590.8
5,532.4
10,361.7
519.0
934.4
6,694.0
1,975.7
787.0
66.3
31,461.3
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
As depicted in Table 2.4.1 the total amount of revenue generated through access agreement
at the end of 2003 was over A$31.4 million, a 25% drop to the amount earned in 2002 (A$
41.7 million). The main reason behind the substantial plummet in revenue is due to the
unfavorable downfall in US currency rate in which the majority of the access fee payments
are made and coupled with the drop in the US Treaty money share because of the low in
catch volume allocated to Kiribati, however, the perceived revenue estimate of A$31 million
for 2003 was contentedly achieved.
The number of fishing licenses issued has increased from 402 in 2002 to 447 this year. US
Treaty boats dropped from 26 in 2002 to 18 in 2003 while on the hand there is a substantial
increase in the number of pole and line fishing permits purchased from 1 in 2002 to 19 in
2003 and an increase in purse seine licenses purchased from Taiwan and Korea.
2.4.2.2. To promotes employment opportunities on foreign fishing vessels.
As part of every fisheries negotiation each company and association are encouraged
to employ I-Kiribati boys as crew on its fishing vessels. In 2003 over 30 I-Kiribati are
currently employed on Taiwanese and Korean purse seines and longline fishing vessels.
The Korean longline fishing association have agreed to increase the current level of
employment during the 2003/2004 fishing season and some Korean and Taiwanese purse
seine operators have also indicated their willingness to increase the number of employment.
2.4.2.3. To co-operate in the monitoring, control and suNeillance of our EEZ at regional
and national level.
RKS Teanoai usually carries out national surveillance programs including domestic SAR
missions. In 2003, a total of 6 patrols was conducted giving a total of 72 days with only 9
vessels sighted. No arrest has been made so far.
Under the regional MCS cooperation, the more developed neighbouring countries such as
Australia and New Zealand and sometimes US usually provided aerial and surface surveillance
patrol supports, however, no patrols have been conducted by these countries probably due to
their engagement in the war against terrorism. For the first time, the French government
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
extended her surveillance role in the Pacific by providing surveillance assistance to Kiribati to
the Line group in December. No fishing vessels sighted in Kiribati.
Under the regional minimum terms and conditions (MTCs) its our obligation that each vessel
that wish to fish in Kiribati should be registered with FFA, good standing and should operate
FFA type approved vessel monitoring system (VMS).
Currently Kiribati is running FFA VMS and also an additional Argos VMS to monitor Korean
longline fishing vessels including domestic fishing vessels. It is also anticipated that the
Argos VMS would be used by MICT Marine Division to monitor any type of small crafts to aid
the search and rescue (SAR) operations, which is very costly at the moment.
2.4.2.4. To maintain the fisheries database management information system, simply
known as FMIS.
The maintenance of the FMIS database is handled by the Fisheries Officer in
consultation with SPC IT section that usually provide support to Pacific Islands in this area.
In 2003, we have a one week visit by one of the SPC Fisheries Database Officer who did the
upgrading to the database in order and to install a new scanner for the Unit. The scanner
was donated by Oceanic Fisheries Program of SPC to allow efficient processing of catch report
forms (logsheets) for submission to SPC.
2.4.2.5. To carry out observer placements on foreign vessels to carry out scientific data
collection on catches and gear technology.
Currently, over 20 qualified fisheries observers are ready to take up observer duties
on foreign fishing vessels. Since 2001 until now a total of 20 trips have been covered either
through the national program or the regional program managed by FFA and SPC. The
regional observers are paid a daily seagoing allowance of US$25 and FFA per diem rates for
transit is applicable. For the national program observers are paid A$30 per day at sea and
the Kiribati per diem rate is also applicable.
Table 2.4.2 depicted the summary of observer placement since the start of the national
observer program. The table shows that the number of national placements have increased
from 1 in 2001 to 7 in 2002 and 8 in 2003. The number of placements in 2003 could have
increased but due to the fact that most fishing vessels targeted shifted their fishing
operations further west to PNG and FSM waters, it was not possible, however we anticipated
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
that during 2004 there will be an increase in the number of fisheries observer placements on
foreign vessels.
Table 2.4.2: Summary of Observer Placements 2001-2003
Number of trips
Year
PS
LL
FFA
2001
1
0
5
2002
5
2
5
2003
3
5
4
9
7
14
(Note: FFA managed the regional observer program under the US Treaty and FSM Arrangement)
Total
6
12
12
20
· 2.4.2.6. To carry out port sampling work to verify catches made by fishing vessels, and
dissemination ofinformation.
Since 1997 and 1998, no port sampling work that have been conducted due to
unavailability of the Unit staff to carry out the task coupled with the drop in number of visit
by foreign fishing vessels transhipping in port. It is believed that the fisheries observers will
no be involved in port sampling work.
Kiribati usually received funding support from SPC to conduct port sampling work. The fund
only catered for overtime or transport expenses incurred from port sampling work.
One very important task of the Unit is to disseminate data/information such as sharing of
logsheet catch data to SPC of all foreign fishing vessels that fished in Kiribati waters to
support the regional aspiration of a sustainable tuna resoJ.Jrce in the region. It is also the duty
of the Unit to provide briefing papers for senior staff of the Ministry when needed.
The confidentiality of some data/information is strictly adhered to at all times.
2.5. DATA COLLECTION ANO STATISTICS
The Fisheries Statistics Unit concentrates in the collection and analysis of relevant fisheries
data from the artisanal sector. Data collected are primarily from the cornmercial and
subsistence fishermen where they fish mainly in the lagoon, reef and the ocean areas. The
ocean area is limited to the distance the artisanal fishermen can venture and could be as far
as 12 nautical miles from the shore. Other data of equal importance are also compiled from
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
the private fishing enterprises, fish and marine exporters that export their products overseas,
marine products send from the outer islands to Tarawa and marine products send overseas
as personal consignments. The main objectives of the unit are as follows;
• To collect appropriate fisheries data from the fishing community that could later
be analysed and used in the management of the fishery
• To provide useful information of the island fishery that could be used in the
development or otherwise the management of the fishery
• To assist and at the same time monitor the export activity of marine exporters
in the country and the volume of marine products send overseas either as exports
or as personal consignments.
1. Activities Performed by the Unit in 2003.
The Unit follows a regular pattern of activities described in previous reports of
the unit. These activities were maintained in previous years while new activities
are incorporated such as length weight frequency analysis data collection.
Activities and ongoing programme performed by the unit in 2003 and are
expected to continue in 2004 include the following
• Catch landings from the artisanal fishermen in the outer islands
• Monitoring of marine products exported from the country
• Monitoring of export licence on marine products
• Inspection of marine establishments on South Tarawa
• Monitoring of marine products transported from the outer islands
• Length weight frequency data collection on reef and lagoon fishes
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Target Achieved in 2003.
Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
1. To collect appropriate fisheries data from the fishing community that could later be
analysed and used in the management of the fishery.
Abaiang, Abemama, North Tarawa, South Tarawa and Marakei were the five islands
surveyed this year. Analysis on the data collected has provided the following: the
estimated number of fishing households engaged in fishing, the weekly fish production
for all islands in Kiribati, fish consumption rate and the common type of fishing method
and the type fish species caught. These are shown in the tables and graphs below.
Table 2.5. 1: The estimated number of househoId enaaaed in flshino In Kiribati.
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
Estimated
Number of
Number of all Number of
Number of Part
Islands
Households In Fishing
Fulltime Fishing time Fishing
2003
Households
Households
Households
Banaba
54
50
2
19
Makin
292
267
57
57
Butaritarl
592
513
79
109
Marakei
429
407
77
106
Abaiana
843
645
52
258
N/Tarawa
693
652
23
144
S{Tarawa
4529
2794
369
176
Maiana
376
323
40
78
Kuria
182
169
36
34
Aranuka
194
194
73
80
Abemama
533
442
73
80
Nonouti
508
351
11
109
Tabnorth
599
412
122
119
Tabsouth
230
211
59
59
Onotoa
354
354
0
71
Beru
492
412
74
98
Nikunau
333
323
33
93
Tamana
214
203
7
63
Arorae
244
222
37
43
Estimated
Number of
Subsistence
Fishing
Households.
43
170
325
224
204
484
2249
204
99
354
354
231
321
93
283
240
197
133
142
Looking at the whole islands in the Gilbert group about 89.3% of all the households are
engaged in some form of fishing activity. Out of this proportion 13% are estimated to be full
time, fishing household who derive their main source of income from fishing, 19% part time,
fishing household who sometimes fish when there is a need for cash, and 69% comprise the
subsistence-fishing households.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
Table 2.5.2: To show the weekly fish oroduction.
Islands
Number of
Fishina H/H in
2003
Estimated Averaae
catch oer Fishina
H/H oerweek
(ko)
Banaba
Makin
50
109.4
292
51.2
Butaritari
Marakei
Abaiana
South Tarawa
North Tarawa
Maiana
Kuria
513
321
645
2794
653
323
169
58.5
42.5
33.8
44
49.5
63.9
15
Aranuka
188
Abernama
507
Nonouti
364
68.1
78
94 .7
Tab-north
Tab-south
Onotoa
Beru
Nikunau
h'amana
Arorae
Total
562
212
354
412
323
203
222
9107
85.4
59.4
35
49.7
47.9
72
67
59.21
Estimated total
fish oroduction
for all H/H oer
week (ka).
5470
14950.4
30010.5
13642.5
21801
122936
32323.5
20639.7
2535
12802.8
39546
34470.8
47994.8
12592.8
12390
20476.4
15471.7
14616
14874
489543.90
The weekly fish production for all Islands in the Gilbert group is 489.5 tonnes per week
(Table 2.5.2). This shows a decrease of 38% from last year's figure when we have 791.7
tonnes per week.
Fish Consumption rate in Kiribati.
Results from the fish consumption surveys shows that the estimated fish consumption rate
per head per day was 253.4 grams giving a net protein intake of 49.4 grams per head per
day. From the data we get from the Nutrition Unit from the Ministry of Health the daily
protein intake requirements per person ranges between 14 grams for new born babies to 46
grams for pregnant women for the first six months during lactation.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
FISH CONSUMPTION RATE IN KIRIBATI
400
~ 350
~ 300
C> 250
~ 200
lz
::,
150
0 100
:::IE
<C
50
0
~'
',
-- ~ - , -- , _ t _ '.<
'
'
-
'- '
-
--'
-"
'
.
r,;
":1 a g ag 9 I
aI
L
II
,g
Ill
!11
(Bi
Figure 2.5.1: To show the Fish Consumption rate in Kiribati .
Keys:
FISH CONSUMPTION PER PERSON PER DAY
PROTEIN INTAKE PER PERSON PER DAY
Fishing Household Average Weekly Income.
in Kiribati who derive some source of income from fishing. The fishing households are mainly
the Full time fishing household those who derive their main source of income from fishing
and the Part time fishing household those who at times sell out fish when the need for cash
arises.
The average weekly income for fishing household (Figure 2.5.2) was over $200.00 for fulltime
fishermen on South Tarawa followed by Kuria of over $150.00, Tamana of $150.00 per week
and Abemama of over $125.00 per week with Butaritari and Onotoa having the lowest
income attained of less than $50.00 per week.
The annual income for the South Tarawa full time fishermen was estimated at $11,000.00 per
fishing household which is equivalent to level 7/6 in the Kiribati civil servants national salary
scale.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
FISHING HOUSEHOLD AVERAGE WEEKLY INCOME
$250.00
$200.00
.z...
::::,
$150.00
0
:E $100.00
<(
$50.00
$-
ISLAND
Figure 2.5.2: To show the average weekly income for fishing household per week.
Keys:
FULL TIME FISHERMAN
PART TIME FISHERMEN
-
2. To assist and at the same time monitor the export activity of marine exporters in the
country and the volume of marine products send overseas either as exports or as
personal consignments.
Recently, the Fisheries Division has improved the current license system. Companies are
categorized into four groups' namely foreign, semi-foreign (> 50 % foreign), semi-local (> 50
% local) and local company with high establishment license fee given to foreign investors.
Additional fee are also charged on the type of fish exported, their vulnerability, processing
and the type of fishing methods used.
Eleven companies are now licensed to export marine products from Kiribati. Full detail of the
companies is given in Table 2.5.3.
To further strengthen compliance with these licenses, a Quarantine officer was based at the
airport to check all outgoing marine products leaving Kiribati including personal consignments
to ensure that products were hygienically packed and record amount of products exported. A
fee is also charged for permits issued and this has also contributed to government revenue.
The total amount collected from Processing and Export license for 2003 is $12,400.00 as
depicted in Table 3 and from Quarantine is shown in Table 2.5.5.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
Table 2.5.3. T0 Show the revenue generated from issuance o expert icense.
Company
Commodity Exported
Amount Paid
Bech-de-mer,Shark fins &Lobster
W.K.K
$975 .00
Atoll Seafood Export
Bech-de-mer & Shark fins
$750.00
Maritokauea Trading
Bech-de-mer & shark fins
$750.00
Arorae Island Council
Sharkfins
$550.00
Unite Marine Product
Bech-de-mer & Shar fins
$750.00
MAT KEREBOKI
Bech-de-mer & Shark fins
$850 .00
Lightly Damp
Pet fish (half year payment)
$600.00
Kiribati Seafood Export
Enterprises
Lobster
$575.00
Marine Product Kiribati
Bech-de-mer & Shark fins
$850.00
Teikabuti Fishing Company
Tuna Jerkv
$575.00
Lucky Marine Export
Enterorises
Serranidae
$5175.00
Total Amount
$975.00
$1725.00
$2475.00
$3075.00
$3775.00
$4625.00
$5225.00
$5800.00
$6650.00
$7225.00
$12 400.00
Table 2.5.4: To show the volume of marine Products exported in 2003.
Product
Amount (ko)
Value (USD)
Bech-de-mer
4349.4
$86 988.00
Bech-de-mer
645
$12 900.00
Shark fins
146.8
$147 994.00
Lobsters
1660
$44 820.00
Lobsters
264
$7 128.00
Tuna Jerky
123.05
$5 359.07
Serranidae
20 036
$314 565.20
Serranldae
130
$2 041.00
Dried Seaweed
447175
$298 711.89
Mllkfish
100
$500.00
Small clam (were)
1840 (pieces)
$1840.00
Destination
Hono Kono
Fiii
Hona Kono
South Korea
Australia
Fiii
China
Nauru
PhiliPPines
Nauru
Nauru
Quarantine
One staff js currently on a full time basis monitoring marine products sent overseas for
personal consignment as well as for exports. The monitoring is done by recording marine
products destined for overseas and only after the products have been checked and issued
with a permit that they are allowed to be exported. For personal consignment a maximum
weight of 20 kilograms is allowed for every shipments made is charged at $3.00. Extra
charges are imposed on Personal consignments weighing over 20 kilograms. ,:-he charges
imposed are $5.00 for dried products and $10.00 for fresh products for one kilogram above
20 kilogram.
This was mainly done after reports made_from our Quarantine Assistant at Bonriki airport that
some people have regularly sent products exceeding 20 kilogram as personal c;:onsignments.
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1F1snenes u1vts1on Annual Kepon zuu;,
It seems and very likely that these people are exporting these products without paying their
Processing and Export License.
From data collected on personal consignments, species recorded below were sent in three
forms mainly, dried, fresh/frozen, smoked and live. The table below shows the total amount
of products sent as personal consignments for 2003.
Table 2.5.5: Marine Products sent overseas for personal use.(Weight are shown in kilograms)
SPECIES
COOKED FRESH/FROZEN
Sphyraenoidei (banunua, tau
letc)
4
Serranidae (kuau family)
6
107
Scombroidei (tuna SMries)
24
1129.5
Mullidae (goat fish)
18
Muoilidae (mullet)
9
110
Molluscs (bun)
23
124
Lutianidae (snaoaers)
2446.5
Lethrinidae ( emperor)
5
719
Gerridae (silver biddy)
15
Exocetidae (flvino fish)
5
Elasmobranchs (sharks and
rays)
5
566.5
16
Crustaceans (lobsters)
91
227
Oupeidae(herring, sardine,
c;nrat)
13
Chanidae (milkfish)
20
488
Ceohalooods (octopus)
4
71
C_aranoidae (travalies)
12
222
Albulidae (bonefish)
41
1039.4
Miscellanous
71.5
145
Total
316.5
7460.9
SHOKED SAL TED/SIINDRIED
13.1
40.1
347.6
5
90.5
466.4
53.3
10
72.5
20.4
14.5
185.8
31
352
18.5
27
462.1
181.8
1
13
658.5
384.9
2524.8
TOTAL
4
126.1
1541.2
23
209.S
613.4
2499.8
806.5
35.4
771.S
52
31E
13
1041.E
7€
24,
1757.~
628.~
10764.3
As depicted in Table 5 above the common species airfreighted comprise mainly of snappers,
bonefish, and tuna species. These species were shipped mainly to Fiji, the Marshall and
Nauru.
The .total revenue generated from personal consignments fees is $5,396.00. It is worth to
note that a drop of about 7 tonnes was sent for personal as compared to 2002 with a total of
17 tonnes.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
2.6. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION
During the year 2003, the Fisheries Education, Training and Information unit had been
striving to fulfil its obligations to the Department; through various programmes, which are in
line with the following objectives:
a} Training Analysis Needs:
In order to have an efficient work force, training requirements are assessed and
catered for by FETIU. Fisheries staff and local fishermen are able (through our
co-ordination ) to attend overseas or local short courses
b} Information Dissemination:This is done through trainings, the media, video
production, school visits, and provision of resource persons when requested by
NGOs or government institutions running workshops on marine related topics
c} Coordinating and Hosting Workshops etc: Co-ordinating and conducting of
training workshops for local fishermen and the general public on fishery related
subjects. More emphasis has been put on new fishing technology and fishing
methods.
2.6.1. Training on short term courses overseas.
Short term courses of a few days to less than three months in various overseas countries was
attended by various Fisheries Staff as detailed below:
• (a)Regional workshop on Safety Management on Pacific Islands Fishery
Products attended by Fisheries Officer, James Uan and Mr Teibuako
Kateinnang, 29th September to 7th October 2003.
• (b) Group training course in Conservation and Sustainable Management
of Coral Reefs held in Japan from May 27 to August 17, 2003, attended
by Fisheries Assistant Mr Kamatie Kautu.
• (c) Training programme on prawn farming in Malaysia attended by Ms
Terere Bwenawa from 9th August to 20th September 2003.
• (d) Group Training Course Seminar on Fisheries Development and
Environment held in Japan from January 07, to February 23, 2003
attended by Fisheries Officer, Kintoba Tearo.
• (e)Algae culture (CSIRO) Hobart, Tasmania attended by Iobi Arabua from
4th October to 6th November.
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
• (f)Sustainable use of Marine Micro-organisms and Marine Natural
Chemicals held in Japan and attended by Michael Teraku, from October
02, to July 03
• Remote Sensing Workshop held in Brisbane Australia, and attended by
Taratau and Aketa in August for a duration of three weeks.
2.6.2. Long Term training oyerseas
The annual SPC Fisheries Officers Course usually attended by our Fisheries Assistants
together with the one offered by OFCF was not attended this year. Several other overseas
trainings, which are known to be occurring annually, did not even appear and we have good
reasons to believe that PSO was offering them to other Ministries.
One fisheries officer - Mr Michael Teraku was attending eight months training in Japan on
Sustainable use of micro organisms and natural chemicals. This is relevant to the kind of job
he is currently engaged with. He is now representing the Fisheries Division and sharing the
knowledge and skills acquired with the committee on bio-diversity and the POP ( persistant
organic pollutants) committee of the Ministry of Enviroment Lands and Agriculture.
On the postgraduate programme several graduates have already completed and passed their
Msc courses during the last two years. This year Mr Ribanataake Awira is about to complete
his MSc.
2.6.3. Local Training of Fisheries Staff,
m Several training were hosted locally by different Ministries especially
(Ministry of
Education) and the Environment Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Social Development.
m These were also attended by some staff members. Most of the courses run at were
clerical, accounting and computer courses while those conducted by the MESD induded
Environmental Impact Assessment. There were also workshops run by the Home Affairs
Ministry of Disaster management Other workshops attended and conducted included in-house
training on scuba diving which was run twice on Tarawa for the staff of the Fisheries Division
and those of the Environmental unit.
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2.6.4. GS Marine Engineering
Mr Pita Iotin and Kamori Ueantabo both fisheries assistants completed their course on Marine
Engineering GS and will have to sit their oral in order to be recognised and accepted as
mariners or to actually sail in one of Kiribati local boats in the capacity of Chief Enginners or
second Engineers depending on the size of that boat. These two Fisheries Assistants are
looking after the Fisheries Division Workshop, which means they are servicing and
maintaining all of the Division's outboard and inboard engines, the ice making machine in
Temaiku, and various other supporting machineries used by the Division. They have been
instrumental to the transfer of outboard basic skills to our local fishermen.
2.6.5. Fibreglass Boat Construction
In line with fishing technology development a very important workshop was conducted in
Tanaea through the Fisheries Division request to OFCF (Overseas Fisheries Co-operation
Foundation) of Japan. This technology transfer involves a lot of work for the participants and
the overseas instructors. The workshop started on the 19th November and ended on the 17th
December. The first three weeks (25 days) were spent on practical and resulted in the
production of the first two FRP boats actually made in Kiribati. One was a 17-footer Kiribati
prototype and the other one was a 13-footer punt; modeled from a fiberglass Boston Whaler.
Participants who actually completed this particular workshop were offered a certificate. These
people if given the opportunity and financial support would be our pioneering FRP boat
builders in the country. Repairs to FRP boats would be a very easy task for them.
2.6.6. Other Activities of the Unit,
1. Library Service - The library service does not exclusively mean the maintenance and
keeping of all the literature in stock. Beside this function we are also able to bind
reports or books when appropriate, photo copy to students doing their research on
Fisheries Topics, give out pamphlets on certain topics.
2. Fish Poster Production - In collaboration with SPC a fish poster titled " Main coastal
fish species exported from Kiribati" with the I-Kiribati title " Ikan Kiribati aika
iokinibaiaki" is now about to be printed and should be received sometime early in
2004.
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3. Radio Programs - Run on weekly basis for information dissemination to the public
this program was later on conducted on a fortnightly basis. It covered current
fisheries news events and guidelines on topics like fish preservation to fishing tips to
local fishermen.
2.7. FISHERIES SUB DIVISION ON CHRISTMAS ISLAND
2.7.1. General Background Information
Kiritimati atoll is one of the biggest atolls in the Pacific and also one of the atolls in the Line
Group of the Republic of Kiribati. Located approximately 2°N and 157°W, the sandy soil limits
opportunities to develop land resources. Apart from coconuts, vegetables, fruits and root
crops which are hard to grow, much of the staple food for the local communities consist of
imported rice and flour. All other supplementary fresh produce to maintain a healthy diet are
also imported, usually air-freighted from Honolulu in Hawaii (the nearest major port) and
which are often not cheap. The marine resources in Kiritimati are therefore an important
source of protein as well as the primary area for income-earning opportunities for the general
populace of Kiritimati and to Kiribati as a whole.
Most of the development of the fisheries on the island, though have been tried in the past,
are still at an infant stage. Looking at the capture sector of the fisheries, that is, the local
fishermen themselves, the normal fishing activities carried out would be mostly for
consumption and any surplus catch not consumed are either preserved, given to relatives or
sold locally on the island. This is because the majority of the people in Kiritimati are
fishermen and the abundance of fish resources is quite high. Increasing their production and
therefore increase their cash income from the fish they caught would be restricted in their
capacity to land and to sell their catch. The major problems and constraints that inhibit
growth in this area are associated with the following;
a) Fishing Gears. Availability of suitable fishing gears needed by the local fishermen.
This would also include fishing boats suitable to seek target species in remote fishing
grounds, ice and coolers.
b) Limited Market Centre on the Island: The current practice is that licensed fish seller
are allowed to sell their catch from their residence or beside the roads. CPP branch
provides the only center which they could sell their surplus catches for certain
species.
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c) Geographical structure of the island. With four main villages in Kiritimati, only one
village has good access to fishing grounds in the lagoon and the ocean.
d) Market link {Transport). One of the ultimate aims for the fishermen to increase
income from their catch would be to export. At this stage very poor market link and
transportation to overseas markets.
Kiritimati, like the rest of the islands in the Line and Phoenix Group, is quite remote from the
main administrative center in Tarawa (Gilbert Group), a distance of approximately 1,850
nautical miles to the west. The only link between Tarawa and Kiritimati is by cargo boats
calling in to Kiritimati at least once a month. Connection by air to Hawaii is once a week and
which is often full both ways. It can be seen that transportation is also a problem when it
comes to exportation of fish products overseas and obtaining a consistence supply of fishing
gears both from the capital center in Tarawa and from overseas.
This report is based on the activities and programs implemented by the Branch of the
Fisheries Division based in Kiritimati. The Sub-Division is currently manned by a Senior
Fisheries Officer, one Fisheries Assistant, one Tradesman, and two Pond Technicians, a total
of five (5) staff. We follow a regular pattern of activities and programs implemented from
previous years with new programs incorporated when the need arise. Among the activities
and programs implemented by the Sub-Division in Kiritimati and which are also expected to
continue in the year 2004, the main ones include;
1. Monitoring of the fish resources through the collection of relevant fisheries data and
surveys,
2. Monitoring of the export activities through the collection of fisheries data and
issuance of licenses,
3. Promote the utilisation of marine products in a sustainable manner,
4. Provide assistance to local fishermen in the development of the fisheries on the
island,
5. Monitoring of transshipment activities and
6. Monitoring and surveillance of Fisheries ponds and closed areas.
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In order to implement most of the activities and programs, the Sub-Division requested budget
in the amount of AUD64,849.00, a slight increase from the previous year request of
$52,314.00.
2.7.2. Programs and Activities
Programs and activities implemented this year and which are expected to be maintained in
the year 2004 include the following;
2.7.2.1. Pet fish Fishery
The harvest of the Pet fish resources from Kiritimati still continued by seven (7) licensed
operators as compared to eight (8) operators in 2001 namely;
1. Aveteba
2. Kabua Pet Services
3. Marine Beauties
4. Moving Colors
5. Marine Pettish Resources
6. Willie and the Divers
These operators paid a license fee of 1,800.00 per year to harvest and export Pet fish. The
harvest of this lucrative resource is all done in Kiritimati and exported to Honolulu.
As shown in the tables and chart attached, the number of pet fish exported increased from
130,479 in 2002 to 130,479 this year. The increased number of pet fish exported reflects an
increase in the effort exerted on the fishery, improved fishing techniques and storage in
reducing the mortality of the pet fish harvested and consequently exported to overseas
markets. The value of pet fish exported this year totaled US$756,615.50, as compared to
US$554,060.00, about 37% increase from last years figure.
Looking at the total export by fish family in the chart attached, it is important to note that
there are 12 fish families being harvested and exported from Kiritimati. The bulk of this year's
shipment is again of the family Pomacanthidae, which accounts for 88% of the total quantity
exported and 83% in terms of value. The Flame Angel ( Centropyge loriculus) constitutes the
major species exported under this family. Other species of the same family exported include;
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Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
• Lemon Peel - Centropyge navissimus
• Emperor Angel - Pomacanthus imperator
• Griffis Angel - Apolemicthys griffisi
• Gold Flake - Apolemicthys xanthopuctuatus
The agreed minimum price of the Flame Angel by the Pet Fish Association in Kiritimati is
US5.00 per fish. However, some companies sell the Flame as low as US2.00 mainly to attract
other buyers in the overseas markets.
The report on the study for Pettish resources is still to be produced. The Sub division noted
that there are more operators requesting to enter the fishery and perhaps one of the
solutions to allow more entrants into this fishery is to introduce a Catch Quota System. The
report therefore would greatly assist in this area.
2.7.2.2. Lobster Fishery
At present, there are two licensed exporters exporting lobsters to the overseas markets
namely CPP branch. The table below shows the total weight (lbs) of lobsters landed at CCP.
All lobsters landed are for export and rarely retained for consumption purposes. The method
of fishing is free diving outside the breakers and normally carried out at night and trucks are
used as transportation for divers. The current landed price for lobsters at CPP is maintained
at $3.00 a pounds giving a diver an average income of about $65.00 per night dive.
Table 2.7.1: Lobsters landed at CPP from January to December 2002
Months
Jan
Feb
March
Aoril
May
June
July
Auqust
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
No.females
216
394
77
15
195
714
264
89
0
0
469
122
No of males
196
353
82
21
130
435
369
41
0
0
266
59
Total weiqht(lbs)
368.6
678
152.6
31.6
183.4
1,107.1
449.5
99.1
0
0
576.1
381.8
Total
4,020.5
Lobster landed at CPP complex showed a dramatic decrease from last years figure of 41,311
lbs. This does not indicate the decline in the lobster resource in Kiritimati but rather the
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demand of lobsters by CPP and the willingness of the divers to fish for lobsters. The existing
Fisheries regulations on lobsters are maintained at all times. Although lobsters inspected carry
no eggs and above the minimum size limit of 85 mm, the Sub-Division, again noted with
concern that in all inspections, the females have been cleaned of their eggs. This is a draw
back in the existing regulation in that fishermen can still get away catching egged females for
commercial purposes without being prosecuted. The size limit poised no problems in that
undersize lobsters are returned to the sea.
2.7.2.3. Conservation Areas and Ponds
Monitoring and patrolling all Fisheries Conservation Areas and Ponds (see attached map) is
maintained at least twice a week but more frequent when ships call in from Tarawa.
Demarcations of all areas have been completed to ensure that fishermen are not confused as
to what ponds and areas to fish. This however, does not deter the poaching activity that still
goes on in these areas as it is quite impossible to monitor twenty-four hours on a daily basis
remote areas such as the Fisheries ponds.
2.7.2.4. Bonefish Fishery
At this stage there are no laws prohibiting the harvest of bonefish. However, the Business
Licensing Committee of the Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands, planned to completely ban
the commercial harvest of bonefish from Kiritimati. The Division noted with concern the
increasing activity in the gill net fishery catching fish indiscriminately for food and for local
sales. Though the sale of bonefish is not encouraged, quite a significant proportion of
bonefish are being caught in the lagoon and on reef flats for food.
2.7.2.5. Pleasure Fishing
Pleasure fishing for bonefish is one of the major tourist attractions in Kiritimati. Tourists
engaged in this activity are required to pay a license fee of 35.00 AUD which is valid for the
duration of their stay. The Catch and Release Program is maintained at all times in areas
designated for this purpose. Tourist however, still practiced the program in all areas visited
during their game fishing weather it be in the Fisheries areas or in unprotected areas.
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Revenue Generated through Pleasure Fishing
40,000.00
35,000.00
30,000.00
25,000.00
AUS 20,000.00
15,000.00
10,000.00
5,000.00
0.00
1988 198919901991 1992 1993 19941995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 200120022003
Year
Figure 2,7,1: Revenue generated through pleasure fishing from 1988 to 2003
One may note that although the overall number of tourists visiting Kiritimati has increased
since 1988 as shown in the chart and table below, and a slight increase from years visitors.
However, there are still complaints made by tourists and tour guides concerning the decline
in the average weekly catch as compared to previous visits. A study on the bonefish stock is
now almost completed by SPC and the Fisheries to help determine the management plans
needed to protect the bonefish stock in Kiritimati.
Table 2.7.2: Annual number of Bone Fish Anglers visiting Kiritimati
Year
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
Number
of Average Angler per Fishing Permit
Bonefish Angler month
(Value AU$)
666
56
657
55
617
51
389
32
379
32
684
57
813
68
828
69
666
56
539
45
853
71
1,019
85
951
79
23,310.00
22,995.00
21,595.00
13,615.00
13,265.00
23,940.00
28,455.00
28,980.00
23,310.00
18,865.00
29,855.00
35,665.00
33,285.00
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2001
837
70
2002
663
55
2003
723
60
29,295.00
23,205.00
25 305.00
Tourist also visit Kiritimati for Pleasure Diving. In 2003, there were in total 27 divers as
compared to 21 divers visiting Kiritimati this year.
2.7.2.6. Fish Landings
Tables provided in the Appendix 2 shows the recorded fish landings by CPP's employed
fishermen and fish purchased from the local fishermen on Kiritimati. One will note that 95,688
pounds was landed at CPP of which 64% comprise milkfish for sale in Tarawa.
2.7.2.7. Personal Consignment and Quarantine Services
One staff is currently on a full time basis monitoring marine products sent overseas for
personal consignment as well as for export. All marine products sent overseas are inspected
and issued with an export permit. For personal consignment, a maximum allowable weight of
20 kg for each passenger and required to pay $2.00 for each accompanied box. For export
purposes, $3.00. This year a total of 2,989 kg comprising mainly of reef fish and milkfish
were sent to Honolulu, Fiji, Australia and Tarawa.
2.7.2.B. Pearl Spat Collectors
Two spats have been deployed at positions . 01-55.00 N, 157-31.299W and at passage
between London and Cook Islet. There seems to be pearl spats attached to the device and
which samples have been collected and sent to Fisheries Head office in Tarawa for
identification. The ongoing activity is to periodically check the spat for fouling and collect
more samples as the spats grew bigger for identification. From previous dive surveys brood
stocks do exist off Paris Point, Cook Islet, Tabwakea village, and the two boats channels. The
two sites now being used are relatively sheltered from rough weather and heavy swells.
However, we have started to deploy one spat in the lagoon which will provided the most
sheltered site for spat collector. This needs to be identified as good grow site for spats.
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2.7.2.9. Export
Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
Fishermen and the private sectors are quite keen in investing in the fishery in Kiritimati.
Interests are often discouraged for lack of suitable facilities and incentives but more
important for lack of capital to start off a business. The only companies now involved with
export include CPP branch and the six petfish operators. Commodities exported include
petfish, Tuna, and Lobsters. Sea cucumber though harvested from Kiritimati are all sent to
Tarawa for export. Some private companies have shown interest to explore the possibility of
starting an export business in these areas: Coral farming, clam farming, pearl farming and
fish canning. The sub-division is working closely with the fishermen/exporters, giving advice
and encouragement in improving the export activities.
3. CONSTRAINTS
Based on each sections achieved objectives and constraints identified by each sections the
following shortfall were identified for each sections;
1. Considering the fragile nature of these resources, slow growth rate and their
importance in supporting a vast array of productive fisheries it was recommended
that the existing stock would not support any sustained harvest for commercial
purposes and export of the favid including other corals was totally banned.
2. Lovell et al. 1999 to assess the benthic forms of Tarawa and Abaiang in order to
describe the atoll's coral reef did a more recent survey. A total of 115 coral specimen
were collected and identified from those two islands. It was also found from this
survey that the coral reefs in Kiribati are still in good condition as shown by the
luxuriant assemblage of corals found both inside and outside the lagoon. Inside the
lagoon, patch reefs still flourish despite turbidity of the water. (Lovell et at. 1999). A
summary of the benthic compositions from the two atolls (Tarawa and Abaiang) was
also given in Lovell et al (1999) report.
3. There is still a need for a full-scale assessment survey to determine the relative
abundance and distribution of the different coral species found in Kiribati. This
information is very useful for the proper management of the coral reef resources in
future.
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4. The Fisheries Division conducted assessment surveys using underwater visual census
(Samoilys, 1997) on the grouper and wrasse stock on a number of islands where the
operation was on. It was apparent from the survey result that the density for the
targeted species on fished areas have declined as compared to the non fished areas.
From this survey, potential spawning sites for the two fish species were identified.
The Island Councils were advised of the potential spawning sites and the need to
create Marine Conservation Areas under their by-laws in order to protect the
serranidae and wrasse resources and this should cover all islands in the country.
5. The most threatened and vulnerable species in Kiribati ranges from the invertebrate
to vertebrate species. From the invertebrates species Tridacna gigas, and recently
the black teat (Microthe/e nobl'lis) and white teat (Microthele fuscogilva), sea
cucumber has been reported to have declined in numbers on three islands, Butaritari,
Abaiang, and Abemama (Kazu et al, 1998). In combating this problem a sea
cucumber hatchery in Tanaea will continue to restocking the reef with hatchery
reared sea cucumber.
6. Other inshore fish species such as bonefish Albu/a neoguinaica, mullet Valamugil sp,
and the gold spot herring Herklotsichthys quadrimacu/atus has been reported to have
been decline in numbers. Size range comparison of female bone fish between stock
in canton and South Tarawa, the capital island shows that female bone fish on the
capital island matures at a lower size range (Kamatie and Awira, 1994) however,
further follow-up work need to be undertaken to confirmed this preliminary findings.
Expert from Taiwan has been approached for the trial farming of mullet and lobsters
for 2004 mariculture programme.
7. Species of turtles such as hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata has been listed in Kiribati
as a threatened species more research work and surveys is required to determine the
actual population size of the hawksbill and other turtles. A project document was
sent to SPREP for funding this programme but there is no positive response.
8. The tuna longline trial will continue for 2004 combined with a trial on the product
development from skipjack tuna, a joint programme between the Fisheries, OFCF and
CPP.
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9. Edible seaweed found on four of the islands in the Gilbert Group (Table 3.1) do have
commercial potentials that should be look into and this can be carried out jointly by
the Atoll Seaweed Company.
Table 3.1: List of edible seaweed that are found on four islands in Kiribati (Tarawa,
Marakei, Nonnouti and Bern). Identified and the list compiled by Fujiki,T.
2000.
Japanese name
Scientific name
Bou-aonori
Hitoe-gusa
Enteromorpha intestinalis
Monostroma nitridum
Aosa
Ulvasp
Sennari-zuta (Umi-budou)
Surikogi-zuta (Uml-budou)
Caulerpa racemosa var clavifera
Caulerpa racemosa var laetevirens
Kubire-zuta (Umi-budou)
Caulerpa lentilliferar
Okinawa-mozuku
Gadosiphon okinawa Tokida var?
10. The major areas that still needs to be looked into for the development of a black
pearl industry includes;
1. improvement of conditioning methods/techniques applied to oysters prior to
seeding
2. investigation into planktonic levels in the lagoon of Abaiang
3. extension to remote parts of Kiribati including Christmas Island and Fanning
Island
The future plan of action for 2004 is to focus more on the government policy and the
development framework attached in our appendix section will form part of our action plan
for 2004.
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4. REFERENCE
Fisheries Division Annual Report 2003
Awira, R. 1999. Some General Recommendations and Preliminary findings from the
Millenium Islands Rapid Underwater Survey 4-6 August 1999.
Awira, R. 2000. The Impact of Commercial Fishing on Serranids and Labrids Fisheries on the
Islands of Butaritari, Nonouti, and Tabiteuea North based on the Underwater Visual Census
Survey and Proposals for the establishment of Marine Reserves.
Data Collection and Analysis Unit. 1999. Summary Results of the Fisheries Artisanal Surveys
conducted in TabNorth and Banaba. Fisheries Division, Kiribati.
Data Collection and Analysis Unit. 1999. Artisanal Survey of South Tarawa, Fisheries
Division, Kiribati. pp 6.
Fisheries Division, 1999. Annual Report, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tarawa. Kiribati.
_ _ _ _ ___, 2002, Annual Report, Ministry of Natural Resources, Tarawa. Kiribati.
Fujiki, T. 2000. Summary of the study on the Edible Seaweed in Kiribati. Summary Report
submitted to Fisheries Division, Kiribati
Kamatie, M. and Awira, R. (1994). Resource Assessment Survey of canton Island in the
Phoenix Group for Bone fish (Albu/a neoguinaica). Fisheries Division Report. Kiribati.
Kamatie, M., et al. 1995. Fisheries Research Surveys of Kiritimati Island. Fisheries Division,
Republic of Kiribati.
Kazu, F. and Awira, R. 1998. The report on the Joint OFCF/Fisheries Division, Preliminary
Survey of White teat (Microthe/e fuscogi/va) and Black teat (Microthele noMis) on three Atolls
in the Gilbert Group. Fisheries Division.
Tekinaiti T,R. 1990. Status of Giant Clam Stock at the Four Atolls in Kiribati, Fisheries
Division, Kiribati.
Tinga, R.B. 1997. The Kiribati Domestic Commercial Tuna Pole-and Line Fishery: Estimating
the Optimal Effort and Aggregate Tuna Price at Maximum Economic Yield. Fisheries Division,
Kiribati.
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FISHERIES DIVISION
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development
P. O. Box 276, Bikenibeu, Tarawa
Republic of Kiribati.
Phone: (686) 28095. Fax: (686) 28295
E-mail: fisheries@tskl.net.ki
___________________________________________________________________________________
To: Secretary
MFMRD
Bairiki
03/March/2010
Attn: BeeroTioti.
Fishreies Licensing Unit
Bairiki
Request for the post of Data Technician (Fisheries Licensing Unit)
Dear Sir,
Firstly this is my letter to seek your kind request for the above post. I am now working at
Fisheries Division in Tanaea as a Librarian. I came here last year as I request for my
mother that she was very ill so I give my thanks to Secretary for the approval for my
transfer.
Secondly my mother was passed away a few months ago and I humbly request if it is
possible for me to be back again to your unit. I really like to work again to my present
post as for my first appointment is a Data Technician. I spent 18 years working as Data
Technician from 1990 to 2008. I kindly request if there is an award or the work for me to
do in your good unit.
Hope to hear from you soon,
Yours truly,
Ms Mwaba Bakarere
Data Technician