Monitoring, Control, Surveillance and Enforcement Unit (MCS&E)

Monitoring, Control, Surveillance and Enforcement Unit

The Monitoring, Control, Surveillance and Enforcement Unit of the Coastal Fisheries Division works with the Ikiribati people to promote healthy and sustainable fisheries through effective soft and hard measures. The MCSE Unit fosters monitoring and inspection work on the ground to support compliance in regard to coastal fisheries related regulations.

Kiribati’s fisheries comprise mainly of the offshore fishery for tuna and other pelagic species, and the reef fishery in the near shore and coastal areas of range of fish and invertebrate species (SPC 2004). Fisheries in Kiribati contribute to the source of food, livelihood and nutrition and income opportunities for the people of Kiribati. They play a critical role for food security in Kiribati where seafood consumption is considered one of the highest in the world.

There is a great reliance on marine resources for livelihood, government revenue and especially as a source of protein for the people. More than half of the population in Kiribati engage in fishing activity. Whilst understanding the invaluable contributions of our coastal fisheries resources, there is a need to address the management of these resources to ensure it continues to be fished sustainably.

The Fisheries (Conservation and Management of Coastal Marine Resources) Regulation 2019 forms the backbone of a legal mandate towards enforcement work to address coastal fisheries management in Kiribati.

The Unit ensures that work programs and activities are implemented and align with roles and responsibilities to ensure that monitoring, compliance and surveillance programs are carried out to address enforcement, and that our local people are aware off and able to observe national legislations and regulations.

In this respect, the MCSE Unit is continuing its effort to collaborate and network with communities to ensure that there is understanding and that they can embraces the concept knowing why these regulations are needed.