Fisheries Licensing & Enforcement Unit

The Fisheries Licensing and Enforcement Unit (FLEU) have two core sections one deal with development of tuna and like fishery under the issuance of fishing license to domestic and foreign fleets. The other section dealt with responsible fishing following monitoring and compliance procedure of fishing activities conducted within Kiribati Exclusive Economic Zone. Its overarching objective is to ensure the long term development and conservation of tuna and related species for responsible fishing through the following procedures;

  • Vessels must obtain good standing Certificate from FFA and WCPFC.
  • Vessel must meet the Vessel Monitoring requirement under FFA and WCPFC
  • Valid agreement shall be in place between the fishing company and government
  • Vessel must comply with all measures and conditions according to Fisheries Act, Fishing Access Agreement and related organizations that Kiribati is a party such as PNA, FFA and WCPFC.

The Enforcement Section work together with the Licensing to ensure agreement and condition of fishing fully observed on daily basis. Also collaborate with Police Maritime Unit (PMU) in coordinating surveillance plans and activities to eliminate IUU fishing activities. It major task involved the monitoring, control and surveillance of vessels fishing (license/unlicensed) in Kiribati 200 miles EEZ to ensure that all fishing vessels and operators are fully complying with rules and regulations under the fishing agreements and to the applicable laws of Kiribati.

Due to increasing pressure on tuna and like species coupled with sophisticated fishing gears. Kiribati along with other PICs around the region has taken various steps to ensure responsible fishing undertaken in its waters and adjacent highseas through the following;

  • Vessel monitoring System (VMS),
  • National Observer program
  • FAD Closure period.
  • Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) to all fishing partners
  • Surface surveillance by its national patrol boat Teanoai
  • Related measure under it fishing conditions and regulations

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