Fisheries Extension and Quarantine Unit

Extension and Quarantine Unit

The Extension and Quarantine Unit is one of the Fisheries Division Units responsible for coordinating and implementing programs or activities targeting fisheries developments in the outer islands. Other than that, it is also responsible for fisheries quarantine service through package checking and inspection on marine exports sent through personal consignments and coordinating OBM spare parts and Fishing Gear Revolving Fund Projects.

This Unit consists of 4 staffs based at the main office in Ambo, 1 staff at Tanaea, 13 Fisheries Assistants (FA) and 3 Fisheries Extension Assistants (FEA) at the outer islands. FEAs are project personnel employed by R2R to assist with Fisheries programs at the project's pilot islands. Pilot islands for this project are Butaritari, North Tarawa and Tabiteuea North.

Objectives

Carry out and disseminate the work programs of the Fisheries Division on all outer islands;
Promote and be involved with research and survey activities including creel survey, fish landing data collection, marine product data collection, and other relevant data collections on fisheries;
Promotion of fishing diversification through aquaculture developments on outer islands such as milkfish revival programs;
Support community development programs through seeking training programs for communities on outer islands;
Ensure near-shore fisheries resources on outer islands are utilized sustainably through diversification practices through FA programs;
Assist with FADs deployment, promotion of appropriate fishing gear, and improvement of livelihood for fishing communities;
Monitoring programs on FADs status in outer islands through FAs programs;
Provide collaborative technical support and advice to island councils for the management and conservation of marine resources;
Coordinate repair and maintenance of outer island ice plants and other services for fisheries centers for sustainable use of coastal fisheries resources;
Work collaboratively with all other Fisheries Units towards achieving sustainability and conservation of marine resources;
Promote and enhance the local fishing community capacity at the island, village, and community level to implement fisheries-related projects to enhance their livelihood and food security through FA programs;
Supervision of FAs programs in outer islands with assessments of fisheries staff performance through monthly report submission and island visitations/consultations;.
Provide support to fisheries outer islands programs and enhance community participation in fisheries development programs;
Provide support services for marine export inspection for personal consignments and enforcement of Fisheries regulations concerning lobster and shark management