Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority

MIMRAMIMRA Annual Report FY2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 1 Marine Resources Authority

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority, PO Box 860, , Marshall Islands 96960 Phone: (692) 625-8262/825-5632 • Fax: (692) 625-5447 • www.mimra.com

2 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acting locally benefits the Marshalls internationally

anagement and sustainable and the Western and Central Pacific Fish- development of our ocean re- Message from Dennis eries Commission. M sources took a big step forward Momotaro, Chairman At the international level, our National in 2017 with the holding of the First Na- of the MIMRA Board of Oceans Policy is part of a call by Pacific tional Oceans Symposium. This event Directors and Minister of Island nations for global action on our brought together national government Natural Resources and oceans with particular focus on eradicat- leaders and officials, mayors and other ing illegal, unreported and unregulated Message from MIMRA Board Chairman local government representatives, stu- Commerce. (IUU) fishing that undermines sustain- dents, non-government organization rep- able management of these resources. It Minister Dennis Momotaro resentatives, and members of the public. supports implementation of many of the Page 5 The National Oceans Symposium out- 17 Sustainable Development Goals en- comes represent wide stakeholder input dorsed by world leaders as part of Agen- into national oceans governance issues da 2030: SGG 14 “Life Below Water,” Message from MIMRA Director and commitments to addressing these is- SDG 16 “Climate Action,” SDG 2 “Zero Glen Joseph sues. Hunger,” and SDG 3 “Good Health and The Symposium led to formulation of Well-Being” as well as others. Pages 6 and 7 the first National Oceans Policy, which Our Oceans roadmap clearly defines lays the foundation for sustainable man- our sustainable management and devel- Coastal and Community Affairs agement and use of our marine resources opment goals for the Marshall Islands. and the fragile eco-systems on which To effectively implement the National Page 8 these are based. Oceans Policy, MIMRA and its partners The Marshall Islands’ National Ocean outlined the six essential areas in need of Oceanic Policy starts with our “Governance Vi- focus and funding: sion,” which states: “As a large ocean na- • Legal and Regulatory. Page 26 tion with a rich history in sustaining and • Human Resources/Capacity Devel- being sustained by the resources of the opment. Legal Affairs sea, we commit to ensuring that our re- • Public Awareness and Education. silience in the face of global oceans chal- • Data Collection, Management and Page 36 lenges endures for generations to come.” Information Sharing. The National Oceans Policy focuses in BOARD MEMBERS • New Projects/Conservation, Man- Finance and Corporate Affairs four main areas: Sustainable Fisheries, Permanent: Minister of Natural agement and Livelihoods. Climate Change Impacts, Marine Pollu- Resources and Commerce Den- • Networking and Establishing Part- Page 39 tion, and Coral Reefs and Marine Pro- nis Momotaro, Vice-Chair Bobby nerships. tected Areas. Critical to the success of Muller, Tommy Kijiner Jr., Danny We encourage our partners and donor our National Oceans Policy is the “Im- countries and agencies to engage with Wase, Moriana Philip, Rina Keju, Planning for the Future plementation Plan for the National Guid- MIMRA to increase the pace of imple- and Sa’ane Aho. Page 42 ing Principles to Sustain and be Sus- mentation of our National Oceans Policy. tained by Our Ocean and Coral Reefs” Implementing these objectives domesti- that was developed in tandem with the cally will bring many benefits to the National Oceans Policy. This lays out our its many partners to focus actions and Marshall Islands and its people, as well roadmap for implementing and enforcing resources in key areas of need. as contribute to supporting important sustainable development practices in the At the regional level, the National global Sustainable Development Goals. Marshall Islands. Oceans Policy is an essential guide to This year’s annual report includes ad- The Policy and the Implementation our ongoing membership in and benefits ditional information on the 2017 First Plan are the essential guides to a healthy from the fisheries rights-based organiza- National Oceans Symposium, as well as future for our marine resources, which tion Parties to the Nauru Agreement. Our the numerous programs and activities of Cover photo: Francisco Blaha. translates directly into a healthy nation National Oceans Policy also guides us as the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Inside and back cover photos: Benedict Yamamura, Emma Kabua-Tibon, Lyla Lemari, Karen Earnshaw, Francisco Blaha, that depends on these resources. These we engage with fisheries management Authority during the year Rebecca Lathrop, Hilary Hosia, and Kelly Lorennij. two documents help the Marshall Is- organizations including the Forum Fish- lands Marine Resources Authority and eries Agency, Pacific Community (SPC), Dennis Momotaro 4 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 5 Making coastal ‘right’ is the key to success he Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority’s engage- T ment in the commercial tuna Message industry generated another year from Glen of record-breaking revenue. This Joseph, is the result, principally, of mem- Director, bership in the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) and management Marshall of the purse seine industry through Islands its Vessel Day Scheme (VDS). Sim- Marine ply put, we would not be where we Resources are in terms of sustainable manage- Authority. ment of the purse seine fishery and the financial benefits this is bring- ing were it not for PNA. In 2017, PNA nations continued to progress implementation of a VDS for the longline industry, a fishery that for decades has been in need of man- agement and control. There are still uncertainties in the Oceanic fishery due to deficiencies in provision of catch data by distant wa- ter fishing nations and ability to collect Coastal staff Emma Kabua-Tibon and Kalena data in certain sectors of the Oceanic deBrum conducting regular coral reef monitoring fishery. These, however, have been in Majuro under a NOAA Coral Reef Monitoring greatly reduced over the past several Grant. Right: MIMRA hatchery technician Clyde years through ongoing improvements extracting zooxanthellae from a clam’s mantle. in management of the commercial tuna fishery. 2015, Nitijela adopted the Protected Coastal fisheries is increasingly gain- Plan sets out a roadmap for successful While there are still areas in the Oce- Areas Network (PAN) Act. But this ing a higher profile, not only within management of our marine resources. anic fishery in need of improvement, ‘An essential important plan for managing our do- MIMRA but nationwide. Our Coastal ‘A key element in As was emphasized during the First the foundation through VDS manage- element for mestic ocean resources, particularly on Division increased the number of outer developing National Oceans Symposium in 2017, ment is in place. This guarantees sus- implementing action remote outer islands, has not been im- islands visited this year in line with im- sustainable implementing sustainable oceans man- tainable use and revenue streams to plemented. The National Oceans Im- plementing the Reimaanlok (Looking management agement is not alone the responsibility the Marshall Islands and other PNA in the Coastal fishery plementation Plan identifies six areas to the Future) Process of developing of MIMRA. members. is translating for action on the new National Oceans and implementing sustainable marine plans and This requires the active participation The hosting by MIMRA of the First surveys and analysis Policy, which includes plans to put the resource management plans with lo- activities is collect- of everyone in the Marshall Islands, National Oceans Symposium in 2017 of ocean and ma- PAN legislation into action. cal governments and the remote com- ing quality data from elected national and local leader- helped to focus attention on marine re- An essential, but largely missing el- munities they represent. This has been and linking this ship, to national and local government sources and needs generally — and in rine resource health ement, for implementing action in the an under-resourced area of activity, but agencies, non-governmental organi- particular, domestic fisheries develop- into management Coastal fishery at the domestic level in 2017 began receiving greater atten- data to manage- zations, students, businesses, and the ment and marine conservation needs decisions.’ is translating surveys and analysis of tion, through such developments as the ment decisions.’ community as a whole. of our and islands. The establish- ocean and marine resource health into First National Oceans Symposium and The National Oceans Policy and ac- ment of a National Oceans Policy and management decisions. We need to MIMRA’s outer islands visits. tion plan are in place, as is the Protect- Implementation Plan from the Sympo- more effectively bridge the gap be- A key element in developing sus- ed Areas Network legislation. Now it’s sium is probably the most important put the spotlight on marine resources tween science and management. tainable management plans and ac- be used to produce sound management time for all of us to push ahead with the development in fisheries and oceans and management, with domestic de- This is particularly important in tivities is collecting quality data and that sustains our resources for future important work of implementing these management since passage by Nitijela velopment and sustainability a focus light of ongoing climate-related coral linking this data to management deci- generations, as well as benefiting the important plans. Our future depends on (Parliament) of the Marshall Islands of the discussions. It is essential that bleaching events or development-re- sions. MIMRA has started this process. current generation. it. Marine Resources Act of 1997. we begin to effectively manage our lated events such as algae blooms on But more work is needed to generate MIMRA believes that the National The National Oceans Symposium domestic marine resources. In late our reefs. a steady flow of quality data that can Oceans Policy and Implementation Glen Joseph

6 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 7 MIMRA conducted many Mavrick Francis from the International fruitful discussion forums with Organization for Migration interviews a fisherman communities in the outer islands. on Wollot, Maloelap to gather socio-economic COASTAL COASTAL data under Reimaanlok.

AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Communities involved in running coastal fisheries IMRA’s Coastal and knowledge of traditional practices, ing boats provided to support local of Reimaanlok. The partnership that Community Affairs Di- to specific research on ciguatera fish commercial fishing on remote is- develops over time between MIMRA M vision carries out a wide ‘Outreach educa- poisoning and developing a “Na- lands; and MIMRA vehicles. ‘The World Bank’s and these communities through the range of activities in support of sus- tion to schools in tional Radioactivity Monitoring Ca- • Supervision and regulation of Pacific Islands Reimaanlok process helps empower tainable management and develop- Majuro increased pacity” through a program supported marine ornamental exports from the Regional Ocean- local communities to identify needs, ment of the domestic fishery, includ- elementary and by the International Atomic Energy Marshall Islands, which include live scape Program problems and solutions for sustain- ing aquaculture, particularly focused high school stu- Agency. fish and corals for overseas aquari- (PROP) assisted the able resource management. on remote outer islands. These ac- • Provision and maintenance of um markets. The Reimaanlok process links di- tivities include: dents’ awareness targeted fish aggregating devices • Oversight of harvests and exports Coastal Division to rectly to Marshall Islands commit- • Engagement with local govern- of the importance (FADs) around Majuro for the of sea cucumbers and aquarium fish- expand its ments to the Challenge, a ments and the communities they rep- of protecting and benefit of local fishermen. eries based on policies adopted by Reimaanlok work regional effort to ensure that 30 per- resent to develop marine resource enhancing marine • Management of two fish markets the Marshall Islands national gov- on the outer cent of near-shore marine resources management plans as part of the resources.’ on Majuro and Kwajalein that link ernment. islands in 2017.’ and 20 percent of land areas are un- Reimaanlok (Looking to the Future) with outer island fishers and fish The Coastal Division’s partnership der effective conservation manage- process, a major initiative of MIM- bases to deliver fish to these markets with the Coastal Management Ad- ment by 2020. RA over recent past years to engage in the two urban centers of the Mar- visory Committee (CMAC) brings The World Bank’s Pacific Islands with and activate local communities • Support for national engagement shall Islands. together a broad range of agencies leading to development of sustain- Regional Oceanscape Program to take ownership of their marine re- programs such as the first National • A maintenance and repair pro- and people involved in all aspects able marine resource management (PROP) assisted the Coastal Divi- sources through sustainable fisheries Oceans Symposium held in 2017. gram for MIMRA’s fleet of ocean of fisheries, marine resource man- plans continued in Majuro Atoll and sion to expand its Reimaanlok work management plans. • Conduct of a wide-range of re- transport vessels; Majuro and Ebeye agement and climate programs. This expanded to new outer islands in on the outer islands in 2017. PROP • Outreach education to schools in search activity, from underwater fish markets; Arno and Likiep giant collaborative approach is essential to 2017, building on successful engage- is a multi-year capacity-building Majuro to increase elementary and surveys to determine the condition clam hatcheries and a hatchery in developing successful and effective ment with outer islands in previous program for fisheries management in high school students’ awareness of of coral reefs and their eco-systems Woja, Majuro; a radio network sys- sustainable management of domestic years. The Coastal Division’s step- the Marshall Islands and three other the importance of protecting and en- and community surveys to gauge tem; fish bases on Wotje, Arno and marine resources. by-step process of engaging with lo- Pacific nations. hancing marine resources. awareness of the community and Ine, Arno sub-fish base; small fish- Community-based consultations cal communities is the core program With support of the International

8 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 9 COASTAL COASTAL Marketing fish in Majuro FISH MARKETS An elementary class visits the Outer Islands Fish Market Center in Uliga. The Coastal Division in Majuro con- ducted 41 trips to outer islands to buy fish, nearly the same as in 2016, when 43 trips were made. The fish purchased from different outer islands is sold by MIMRA’s Outer Islands Fish Market Center (OIFMC) in Majuro. The volume of fish brought in from outer islands increased in 2017 com- pared to the previous year, as did pay- ments to outer island fishers. OIFMC The Arno and Likiep gian clam revenue from fish sales increased 19 hatcheries are now back in action percent over the previous year, from thanks to assistance from OFCF. $140,130 to $166,904. Payments to all of the outer islands providing fish to OIFMC have averaged $130,185 annu- ally 2015-2017. The visits by OIFMC vessels not only picked up fish and injected significant Clam hatcheries revived amounts of money into these remote is- land communities, the trips also provid- Atomic Energy Agency, Coastal about the same number as in 2016. ed transportation options for islanders Outer Islands Fish Market Center, Majuro staff continued research on causes Trips to outer islands from the going to and from the seven outer atolls Fish Purchased/Sold FY2017 of ciguatera fish poisoning on out- ‘The Outer Islands Fish Market Cent- served during 2017. er islands. In response to a request Fish Market Center er (KAFMC) were limited, but the OIFMC purchased fish from Lbs. Purchased Price Lbs. Sold Sales $ from the local government at Ail- (OIFMC) in Majuro KAFMC was able to purchase fish (26 trips), Aur (6 trips), Maloelap (5 Arno 99,938 $90,303 52,262 $113,658 inglaplap Atoll, Coastal staff un- from several outer islands and en- Aur 15,855 $16,655 10,268 $23,836 made over 40 trips trips), and Jaluit, Likiep, Namu, and dertook a survey to sample fish in gaged with Kwajalein fishers to Wotje (one trip each). Arno fishers re- Maloelap 12,985 $13,443 7,899 $15,477 the atoll, which were subsequently to outer islands to purchase their catches. ceived $90,303 for 99,938 pounds of Namu 2,905 $2,000 2,801 $4,201 brought to Majuro for laboratory purchase fish Through extensive maintenance fish; Jaluit fishers received $2,819 for Jaluit 3,821 $2,819 1,397 $2,858 analysis. This allowed MIMRA from outer island work, in cooperation with the Ja- 3,821 pounds of fish; Maloelap fishers Likiep 1,867 $1,939 1,796 $3,353 to share information with the Ail- fishers, about the pan Overseas Fisheries Cooperation received $13,443 for 12,985 pounds of Wotje 2,495 $3,743 1,715 $3,521 inglaplap community about fish Foundation (OFCF), the Coastal Di- fish; Aur fishers received $16,655 for containing ciguatera toxins in their same number vision was able to return the Arno 15,855 pounds of fish; Likiep fishers re- Total 139,866 $130,902 78,138 $166,904 lagoon. as in 2016.’ and Likiep giant clam hatcheries to ceived $1,939 for 1,867 pounds of fish; Marine ornamentals — primar- operation. Namu fishers received $2,000 for 2,905 ily aquarium fish, but also includ- In addition, the maintenance pro- pounds of fish; and Wotje fishers re- with fuel costs remaining high, OIFMC mote efficiency throughout the entire ing coral and giant clams — were ported in the FY2017 period. For the gram worked to keep the small fleet ceived $3,743 for 2,495 pounds of fish. has also initiated grouping atolls in one cycle of the OIFMC’s outer islands fish exported by three companies in the first time, the amount of aquarium of vessels operational to facilitate The monetary benefits that the fish- trip to maximize the amount of fish per system, including fish collection and Marshall islands to Asia, fish exported topped the 100,000 fish-purchasing trips to outer is- ermen of these eight atolls received di- trip landed on Majuro. Although the distribution activities on trips to the out- and the . mark. lands. rectly totaled $130,905 for the 139,866 number of trips to individual atolls has er islands, transportation to the OIFMC, The Flame Angel continues to The Outer Islands Fish Market In addition, ongoing maintenance pounds of fish purchased. decreased for some, the total number of sorting and re-weighing, value adding be the highest-demand fish in the Center (OIFMC) in Majuro made continued to keep various outer is- The OIFMC continues to enforce trips made by OIFMC vessels totaled 41 to products, facility security and safety, aquarium trade, accounting for 62 over 40 trips to outer islands to pur- land fish bases functioning, includ- quality and size limits on the fish that in 2017, nearly equal to the 43 in 2016. accounting procedures, and sales to cus- percent of the ornamental fish ex- chase fish from outer island fishers, ing ice-making capacity. are brought in from the outer islands and Improvements are ongoing to pro- tomers.

10 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 11 COASTAL COASTAL Fuel costs hurt Kwajalein Japan FISH MARKETS The Kwajalein Atoll Fish alliance Market Center. rips to purchase fish from outer is- lands have remained limited for the TKwajalein Atoll Fish Market Center key to (KAFMC). Although the KAFMC has a vessel to use for trips to its fish base partners in the outer islands, due to limited availa- A Japan Overseas bility and high cost of fuel on Ebeye, visits servicing Fisheries Coop- have been inconsistent. Another constraint eration Foundation faced by KAFMC is that maintenance on he Coastal Division oversees a mechanic works its vessel must be performed in Majuro, significant amount of infrastructure with MIMRA. which increases time out of service. T that supports domestic fisheries and Nonetheless KAFMC continues to sup- aquaculture development. The Coastal ply limited amounts of fish to the Ebeye Division oversees a significant amount community through direct purchase of of infrastructure that supports domestic fish and local produce from Namu, Ail- fisheries and aquaculture development. inglaplap, Ailuk, Likiep and Ebeye fishers Regular maintenance and repair work OFCF PARTNERSHIP as well as providing assistance in fuel and is essential to the operation of Coastal ice provisions. Division fish market vessels, MIMRA- scope of the projects are developed and • Repairs to three community boats on During FY2017, KAFMC picked up provided fishing boats on remote outer are followed by a drafting and signing of outer Islands fish and local produce from Namu (2 trips) islands, fish bases that support coastal a Memorandum of Understanding and • Maintenance and repair on the Wotje and from Likiep and Ailinglaplap (one trip commercial fishing on outer islands, ra- Implementation Plan. and Namu fish bases each). It also made 12 trips to purchase fish dio communications linking the OIFMC In 2017, the following MIMRA re- • Maintenance and repair of ice ma- from Kwajalein fishers. Fishers on Namu and KAFMC with outer islands fishers, quests were implemented: chines and outboard engines for outer received $3,304 for 3529 pounds of fish and outer island aquaculture hatcheries. • Replacement and repair of KAFMC islands and $1,251 for local produce; fishers on FY2017 was no different from the pre- radio network system • Maintenance and repair on Arno Is- Kwajalein Atoll Fish Market Center • Maintenance and repair of MIMRA land fish base and Ine Island sub-fish base Likiep received $1,259 for 1,347 pounds of vious year, with ongoing work to main- tain this domestic fishing infrastructure. transport vessels • Building repairs to Majuro facilities fish and $183 for local produce; and fish- Atoll Lbs. Purchased Price Local Produce Purchased A key for MIMRA for over 25 years • Maintenance and repair of MIMRA • Maintenance and repair at OIFMC, ers on Ailinglaplap received $390 for local Namu 3,529 $3,304 $1,251 has been its partnership with the Japan ice plants including ice machines and refrigeration produce. Likiep 1,347 $1,259 $184 Ailinglaplap 0 0 $390 Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Founda- • Provision of advise for management • Regular OIFMC equipment mainte- In addition, Kwajalein fishers received Kwajalein 9,264 $13,107 $1,902 tion (OFCF). OFCF launched a Fisheries of MIMRA fish bases on outer islands. nance and inspection $13,107 for 9,264 pounds of fish and Development Assistance for Pacific -Is In addition to maintenance work on ice • Maintenance and repair on Loto Gi- $1,902 for local produce. The financial Total 14,140 $17,670 $3,727 land Nations (FDAPIN) project in 1992 plants and transport vessels, MIMRA re- ant Clam Hatchery on , in- benefit to these communities from- KAF in the Marshall Islands. Starting in 1995, quested assistance for repair of its crane cluding raceway tank maintenance MC totaled $17,670for 14,140 pounds of FDAPIN II was implemented for five truck, and maintenance and repair of • Assistance to Likiep Atoll Aquacul- fish and $3,727 for local produce. Outer Islands Fish Bought and Sold by OIFMC* years, consisting of assistance ranging Arno Atoll Giant Clam Hatchery. ture Association with raceway tank con- KAFMC continued operations in a lim- from repairs and restoration of fisheries In addition to OFCF support for needed struction ited capacity in 2017 by selling fish and lo- Majuro 2015-2017 related facilities to skills, technology and maintenance programs, MIMRA’s budget • Maintenance and repair on Woja cal produce purchased from various outer Year Lbs. Purchased Price Lbs. Sold Sales $ knowledge being transferred to MIMRA provided funding to ensure that dry-dock Hatchery in Majuro including building islands, as well as ice and other commodi- 2015 109,874 $129,306 81,914 $157,924 staff. Each year, during the annual OFCF and maintenance service for all MIMRA repairs and ground clearing for proposed ties. 2016 102,992 $130,349 68,088 $140,130 Japan/Pacific Island Nations Fisheries fish transport vessels was conducted in new tanks It continues to look for avenues to secure 2017 139,866 $130,902 78,138 $166,904 Directors Meeting on Fisheries Coopera- 2017. This included the vessels Jolok, • Maintenance and repair on Arno Gi- fuel purchases to allow for regular trips to tion, OFCF receives requests from each Timur, Jebro, Lentanir and Laintok. ant Clam Hatchery. the outer islands to purchase fish and local *Outer Islands Fish Market Center, Majuro; country for FDAPIN projects. The Coastal Division assisted with nu- In addition, Coastal Division mechan- produce from the fish base communities of After conducting field surveys and merous other maintenance needs in sup- ics provided vehicle maintenance and re- Likiep, Ailinglaplap, Namu and Ailuk. consultation with each government, the port of local fishing operations: pairs for eight MIMRA vehicles.

12 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 13 COASTAL COASTAL United Nations summit focus on sustainable development The Marshall CALL FOR Islands ramped Participants at the First National Oceans Symposium held in Majuro in 2017. up its local and international GLOBAL work in 2017. Talks result in policy guide Left: The then- Minister Mike ACTION Halferty speaks on oceans at for sustainable oceans use the United Representatives of MIMRA joined Nations. Below, with the Marshall Islands delegation MIMRA staff NATIONAL to the United Nations Oceans Con- Eunice ference held June 5-9, 2017. This im- Bolero with portant international summit focused oceans writing OCEANS SYMPOSIUM on identifying ways and means to contest winner mobilize action to support the imple- Kelly Lorennij. mentation of Sustainable Develop- Many presen- ment Goal (SDG) 14 — “Conserve tations and and sustainably use the oceans, seas exhibits during and marine resources.” the First Na- The UN conference included ple- tional Oceans nary meetings, partnership dialogues Symposium generated and a special event commemorating interest and World Oceans Day. Outcomes of the attention from event included: participants. • Adoption of a “Call for Action” reconfirming commitment to the im- he First National Oceans Sym- current sessions: Community meetings be Sustained by Our Ocean and Coral plementation of SDG 14 within the posium was held April 3-5, 2017 open to the general public and Leaders’ Reefs.” This document provides a set of context of 2030 Agenda and resource at the International Convention Summit limited to the mayors and coun- policy directives to the national govern- mobilization. T • 1,300 voluntary commitments, Center in Majuro. This was an initia- cil members from local governments ment and communicates priorities and tive of President Hilda Heine to gather and representatives from the National activities of the Marshall Islands at the which included four from the Mar- stakeholders from all levels of govern- Government. international level. shall Islands, that cover a wide range ment and civil society to inform Nation- The Symposium was attended by An implementation plan for the Na- of topics including creation of ma- al Leadership on priorities, key areas hundreds of people in the community — tional Oceans Symposium “National rine protected areas, action on plastic of concern, and desired outcomes aris- traditional leaders, teachers, students, Guiding Principles” was drafted by pollution, scientific research and ca- • Implementation of outcomes from to fund sustainable management of ing from the Marshall Islands’ ongoing representatives of non-government or- MIMRA and its key partners and stake- pacity building. the Marshall Islands First National coastal and marine resources in the participation in international ocean and ganizations, government departments holders. • Key messages from partnership Oceans Symposium. Marshall Islands. marine-related meetings. and businesses, and national and local Following the National Oceans Sym- dialogues, which facilitated knowl- • Participation in the Pacific Is- • Action on marine debris and The four themes of the Symposium leaders. posium, MIMRA continued working edge and experience sharing related lands Forum Fisheries Agency’s Ves- ghost gear through a conservation were Sustainable Fisheries, Climate The National Oceans Symposium with its many partners on the National to SDG 14. sel Monitoring Scheme and broader management measure at the Western Change Impacts, Marine Pollution, and produced a policy guide for sustain- Oceans Summit Implementation Plan, The four voluntary actions regis- regional cooperation on fisheries and Central Pacific Fisheries Com- Coral Reefs and Marine Protected Ar- able use of the nation’s oceans: “Na- which is expected to be built into rele- tered by the Marshall Islands during management. mission annual meeting in December eas. These were organized into two con- tional Guiding Principles to Sustain and vant agency and department work plans. the United Nations conference were: • Implementation of a “Blue Fee” 2017.

14 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 15 COASTAL COASTAL

AqUARIUM ExPORTS

The colorful Flame Angel (Centropyge loricula) was the most in-demand tropical fish in 2017.

Aquarium Top 10 Aquarium Exports 2015-17 MIMRA staff regularly give talks to students to spread awareness on marine issues. fish exports Community outreach explode fter dropping off in 2016, exports of expands in Majuro in 2017 marine ornamentals picked up in 2017 to set an all-time record for aquarium he endorsement of resource man- Afish collected and shipped from the Marshall Is- agement plans for Majuro’s new- REIMAANLOK PROCESS lands. A total of 103,439 fish were exported from T ly added marine protected area the Marshall Islands by three companies in the Marine Ornamental Exports (MPA) sites at Bokanbotin and Ene Marshall Islands — two on Majuro (TSL Enter- Kalamur islands by Majuro Atoll Local managed by the College of the Marshall Collection and Management). As part prises and ARRO Corporation) and one on Ebeye Government (MALGov) was confirmed Islands. This supports yearly coral reef of its effort to routinely share data and (Kwajalein Fish Exports). This was a 24 percent during a MIMRA/MALGov meeting monitoring on Majuro to collect new recommendations with political and increase over the 83,199 fish exported in 2016. in November 2016. This MPA initia- coral reef data, continue to analyze and traditional leaders, resource managers, In addition, 15,200 invertebrates were export- tive increased interest in conservation translate previously collected data, and communities and students in Majuro, ed in 2017. These commodities were exported to among members of the MALGov Coun- share specific management recommen- the latest update on the status of reef re- aquarium markets in Asia, Europe and the United cil, particularly from Councilman Boaz dations from the research. In support of sources was delivered by MIMRA and States. MIMRA’s Coastal Division is responsible Lamdrik of Ajeltake and Councilwoman the Reimaanlok/Micronesia Challenge, University of Guam researchers in April for supervision and regulation of marine orna- Lina Amsa for a northern islets of Maju- the program funded installation of bill- 2017 during the First National Oceans mental exports. ro. MIMRA awaited official request let- board signs in Bokanbotin and Ene Kal- Symposium. By far, the Flame Angel (Centropyge loricula) ters from the stakeholders to initiate the amur to portray the MPA rules for these The Coastal Division continues to was the most in-demand fish. It accounted for Reimaanlok process for these respective conservation areas. conduct school visits as part of MIM- 62 percent of the ornamental fish exported, with areas. Additionally, a baseline survey on RA’s ongoing public education and 64,032 Flame Angel fish shipped out of Marshall In late 2016, MIMRA became a new fish, macro-invertebrate, and benthic awareness activities. MIMRA attempts Islands in 2017. recipient of the Micronesian Conser- community was completed in Novem- to visit one to two schools per month to Indicating the growth in marine ornamental vation Trust/US National Oceanic and ber 2016 on another newly proposed spread awareness on marine issues such exports, in 2014, only 16,818 aquarium fish were Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) MPA site, Buruon Islet, which is cur- as pollution, coral reefs, and marine exported. monitoring grant that was previously rently in Reimaanlok Step 4 (Data economics.

16 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 17 COASTAL COASTAL

At Tarawa (above) and (right) in , Coastal Divi- sion staff engaged with the local communities on the Reimaanlok process to develop resource management plans. resi- dents (below) joined with Coastal staff for Reimaanlok consultations. A member of the Local Re- sources Committee reviews objectives during a Reimaanlok visit by MIMRA. Above, the Reimaanlok Plan. Below, MIMRA’s Kyotak Ishiguro and IOM’s Mavrick Francis talk with local residents at Kaben, Maloelap to collect informa- REIMAANLOK PROCESS tion to help with the development of a resource management plan. 6 atolls implementing program

hroughout 2016, the Coastal Di- vision began implementing the REIMAANLOK PROCESS TReimaanlok process on Ebon, Ujae and Lae atolls in addition to work in the capital, Majuro. Utrik atolls. The process was initiated ited members of the councils present at So far, the 2016 sites have reached on each of the atolls by spreading aware- the time of the visits, the communities Step 5 of the Reimaanlok Process (draft- ness about the need for conservation and decided to postpone establishment of ing sustainable management plans). All sustainable use of resources. Next steps the LRCs. All three atolls are on Step three atolls have a draft resource man- included setting up local resources com- 5 of the Reimaanlok process. The Rei- agement plan in place ready for further mittees (LRCs), conducting household maanlok team will return to these Rei- review by the local government and surveys and marine baseline surveys. maanlok sites to start drafting Manage- traditional leadership. Areas to review Data collection through socio-economic ment Plans once the LRC for each atoll include zoning of protected areas and household surveys and baseline marine is in place and data for each atoll have rules before endorsement. surveys were also carried out as part of been analyzed. A draft management The Reimaanlok team needs to return Step 4 (Data Collection and Manage- plan for each of the sites is expected to to these sites in 2018 to continue mov- ment) to feed into resource management finish by November 2018. ing the resource management process planning. Marine surveys were also carried out forward. MIMRA conducted survey work but in and , where the In 2017, MIMRA worked with three is waiting for the communities to name Reimaanlok process is being facilitated new outer atolls to implement the Rei- candidates to the local resources com- by MIMRA partner the Marshall Islands maanlok process: Maloelap, Wotje and mittee on each of the atolls. Due to lim- Conservation Society.

18 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 19 COASTAL COASTAL Developing important radiation monitoring skills wo MIMRA Coastal Division staff attend- ed a three-week fellowship at the Lawrence T Livermore National Laboratory in California in January 2017 to acquire introductory skills for Members of the Coastal Management Advisory Council (CMAC) radiological assessment through a laboratory and during a three-day Reimaanlok Review Workshop in Majuro. web-based training. The laboratory training included initial prepa- ration of vegetation and fish samples from Utrik, Rongelap, Bikini and Enewetak atolls. Prepara- tion of the samples included dissection, weighing and ‘ashing’ of samples. Other preparatory meth- CMAC looks at ‘big picture’ ods also include freeze drying operations; sample homogenization of vegetation; canning of sample Reimaanlok review workshop materials for gamma spectrometry; observing was convened by the Interna- how to analyze water, juice and other fluids for tional Union for Conservation REIMAANLOK PROCESS measuring of cesium isotopes; and most impor- A tantly practicing laboratory safety. of Nature (IUCN) and MIMRA as the Secretariat of the Coastal Management to enhance the Reimaanlok process. CMAC would work on revising a Rei- Computer based training was a crucial part Advisory Council (CMAC) February CMAC also updated the Reimaanlok maanlok facilitator’s guide. A follow- of this fellowship and it was mandatory to pass 1-3, 2017 in Majuro. This workshop status table for all the atolls and pro- up retreat was scheduled for late 2017 each course in order to advance to the next level. started the process for a review of the vided recommendations, which were to review progress. The passing of the following courses resulted in Reimaanlok program. discussed at the end of the workshop to CMAC brings together MIMRA part- achieving a Radiological Technician One certifi- MIMRA Coastal staff Lyla Lemari (left) and Candice Guavis A wide range of presentations on dif- guide future work. ner agencies, institutions and non-gov- cation. These courses included: at the training at the Lawrence Livermore National ferent aspects of the Reimaanlok were The review workshop agreed that ernment organizations that work in the • Radiological Worker Training Laboratory performing work on samples from the Marshall delivered and participants shared past IUCN would lead on revisions to the field of marine resource research, con- • General Employee Training Islands undergoing radiological tests. experiences, lessons learned and ways overall Reimaanlok document while servation and sustainable resource use. • Chemical and Laboratory Safety • Lead Awareness • Health Hazards Communication for Supervi- sors • Personal Protective Equipment • Contamination Control • Waste Management Overview • Beryllium Awareness. This fellowship is part of an International Atomic Energy Agency Technical Cooperation Project, “Developing a National Radioactivity Monitoring Capacity.” It is a joint project with MIMRA and Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority that continues until 2020. Future activities include Expert Missions to the Marshall Islands to carry out training courses, A CMAC retreat brought together representatives of many agencies fellowships to international laboratories to ex- and non-government groups for useful consultations. pand skills of MIMRA and Marshall Islands EPA personnel, procurement of laboratory equipment, and additional training on sampling strategies.

20 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 21 COASTAL COASTAL Expansion of fish and coral farming in outer islands IMRA continued to develop and promote aquaculture for Matolls and islands within the Marshall Islands as a source of food se- curity, economic development and alter- native income. During 2017, four atolls were actively involved in aquaculture: • with its pearl oyster farming managed and operated by the Namdrik Atoll Local Government Seaweed samples collected at • Aquaculture Technologies of the CIGUATERA are preserved by a filtration process as part of Marshall Islands (ATMI), a company es- collecting data on ciguatera. tablished by Local Gov- Fish-farming cages ernment to operate Moi fish farming. in Majuro’s la- • Likiep and Arno atolls, where local goon operated by residents are engaged in giant clam farm- Aquaculture Tech- MIMRA team investigates ing. nologies of the In addition, a private company, Mar- AqUACULTURE Marshall Islands shall Islands Mariculture Farm (MIMF) (above) and corals located in Majuro Atoll, is culturing giant cultured in Majuro clams and corals. atoll ciguatera breakout lagoon by Marshall An Aquaculture Unit team met with Islands Mariculture team consisting of MIMRA period. These artificial substrates are to Majuro Atoll Mayor Ladie Jack to discuss Farm. Coastal Division, Marshall Is- collect benthic macro algae. implementation of giant clam farming in A lands EPA and Marshall Islands After collecting samples the team Majuro Atoll. The Mayor expressed in- Conservation Society staff was dis- inserted Lugol solution to preserve the terest and support. Although MIMRA’s patched to Ailinglaplap Atoll in Novem- samples. During community consul- pearl oyster hatchery in Majuro has been ber 2016 in response to requests from tations, it was suggested that the team out of operation for several years, plans Ailinglaplap Atoll Local Government should return and do more ciguatera are underway to construct new raceway for a Ciguatera Fish Poisoning survey. surveys on the northern part of the atoll. tanks to produce giant clam juveniles for On arrival at Ailinglaplap, the team Another issue raised was that cigu- grow-out by local giant clam farmers in conducted a meeting with the local gov- atera was not only found on certain fish Majuro. ernment and council members to discuss species but also from the giant clam In an effort to expand aquaculture to the purpose of the visit. The primary family, specifically Tridacna maxima. the outer islands, the Aquaculture Unit purpose of the visit was to conduct a Local residents wanted MIMRA, EPA during 2017 conducted aquaculture if a local government requests technical also being recorded. Ciguatera Fish Poisoning survey on the and MICS to collect samples to analyze awareness activities, interviews with lo- support for implementing an aquacul- In follow up to work done in 2017, the northern side of Ailinglaplap with the but there is a different method for de- cal residents and habitat assessments on ture program, a new baseline assessment Aquaculture Unit is planning to review objectives of determining: tecting ciguatera poisoning in clams. the outer islands. Different sites within would not be necessary with the avail- and finalize a Biosecurity Protocol and • what causes ciguatera poisoning The team was able to come back various atolls were investigated for po- ability of an already-completed aquacul- Guidelines for aquatic animals, carry out • is there anything we can do to pre- with samples and through laboratory tential aquaculture activity. ture profile. biosecurity and animal health training for vent further outbreaks of fish poisoning. analysis was able to identify the dino- The aim of this work is to develop an Additionally, to limit the inter-island staff members, and conduct research and Four artificial substrates were de- flagellates causing poisoning of fish at aquaculture profile of each atoll and is- transfer of live marine animals for aqua- pilot grow-out of different species such ployed on each site at the islands of Jeh, Ailinglaplap: Prorocentrum, Coolia, and The ciguatera-causing toxin, land throughout the Marshall Islands to culture purposes, existing viable species as sponge, sea cucumber, edible sea- Airok, Buoj, and Woja for a 24-hour Gambierdiscus. Gambierdiscus. facilitate future development. In future, within the various atolls and islands are weed, trochus and some finfish species.

22 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 23 COASTAL COASTAL

FAD PROGRAM

Above, MIMRA Coastal staff joined with Majuro Atoll Local Government personnel to build several fish aggregating de- vices. Left, the FADs were placed around Majuro Atoll. Right, fisher- man John Alefaio spear fishes near one of the FADs. Ongoing FAD project a big hit with Majuro fishermen MIMRA, in collaboration with Ma- ing structures about three to four miles surface floats 04.907’E; Depth: 1900m to come up with a better, cost-effective spear guns to hunt for catch, an unu- juro Atoll Local Government, deployed off the ocean sides of Delap, Peace Park, • Report any suspicious activities • Laura FAD: 07° 10.696’N 171° design is of high priority. sual fishing technique practiced around five sets of Fish Aggregating Devices Ajeltake, Woja and Laura districts. (floating of loose ropes, missing floats, 00.395’E; Depth 1600m A trio of spear fishermen were the first FADs. (FADs), known as “kajoke” in Mar- This is MIMRA’s second training on and vandalism) As part of the on-going Majuro FAD to make use of the FADs installed in With the ocean side swells calm dur- shallese, in May 2017. The aim of this making and deploying FADs for local • Provide FAD catch data to support project, a submerged FAD was rigged 2017. For a number of years, John Ale- ing one period in 2017, the fearless spear project was to compliment national food fishermen, with plans underway to as- the continuity and longevity of this pro- and deployed in September 2017. It was faio, Travis Clark and Natnael Teshome fishermen spotted wahoos at both the security, sea safety, and sustainable fish- sist more local fishermen in other atolls gram deployed two miles outside the Majuro have been free diving at the main pass, Peace Park and Ajeltake FADs. The ag- ing practices by benefiting small scale by providing similar FAD training and • Do not cut the ropes. bridge in ocean water at 1,130 meters outer reefs and pinnacles. After place- gregators floating freely serve its main fishermen throughout Majuro Atoll. monitoring. The specific FAD positions: depth. Its highest peak is 30 meters be- ment by MIMRA of the new FADs, they purpose of attracting baby fish, which With technical assistance provided by To ensure longevity of the FADs, • Bridge FAD: 07° 01.890’N 171° low the surface. found these to be excellent locales for attract bigger fish. the Secretariat of the Pacific Communi- MIMRA publicly announced through 21.818’E; Depth: 2000m This is the first of its kind to be de- spear fishing. Natnael was able to spear a wahoo ty (SPC) Fisheries Development Officer various media their availability after • Peace Park FAD: 06° 59.874’N ployed under Majuro’s FAD Program. The FADs are popular with fishermen at the Peace Park FAD, while John and William Sokimi, 18 participants from deployment and used these announce- 171° 14.613’E; Depth: 2000m This design is to test its suitability in who go trolling in their boats eager to Travis each lost bigger wahoos at the the Ajeltake to Laura area of Majuro, ments to request that fishermen and boat • Ajeltake FAD: 06° 59.861’N 171° Marshall Islands waters as many FADs catch schools of tuna, marlin and other Ajeltake FAD. No doubt, FADs around and MALGov and MIMRA staff were operators: 09.856’E; Depth: 2000m have been lost or damaged in the past. trophy fish. But with this trio, it is an- Majuro will continue to attract spear able to construct and deploy these float- • Refrain from tying boats onto the • Woja FAD: 07° 03.834’N 171° A single FAD unit is costly and the need other story. They bravely free dive using fishermen as well as anglers.

24 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 25 Tuna being transferred from the OCEANIC purse seiner Jin Hui 9 to the OCEANIC transshipment vessel Yun Run 1. Working closely with SPC on data western and central Pacific tuna fishery. A MIMRA Enforcement Officer prepares The Oceanic Division, in collabora- to check the status of a purse seiner. tion with the Legal Division, devotes a large portion of staff time to engagement with PNA in management of the VDS. It also works with FFA members on moni- manage the vast tuna fishery in the west- toring and enforcement of the regional ern and central Pacific, while increasing fishery as well as coordinating with FFA ‘PNA’s revenue revenue generated from the purse seine members on policy proposals to submit generation and tuna fishery. The numbers speak for the to the WCPFC that governs fishing on revenue generating success of the VDS MIMRA engages in the big the high seas. sustainability for PNA members. In 2012, MIMRA The Oceanic Division works closely initiatives received $5,936,978 in VDS and fish- with SPC on data collection and analy- demonstrate the ing rights revenue. Five years later, in picture of the tuna industry sis, and stock assessment activities. Ad- economic and 2017, the amount increased 380 percent ditionally, the Division oversees moni- to $28,532,685 for the Marshall Islands. toring and data collection of all purse management he dramatic increase in revenue based fish processing plants and- Mar power of this re- For all PNA members, they’ve seen VDS from the commercial tuna fishery in shall Islands-flagged or registered ves- seiners fishing in Marshall Islands wa- revenue rise from $60 million in 2010 to the region is what most people see ‘MIMRA’s Oceanic sels ters, including the domestic fleet, and source rights-based an estimated $470 million in 2017. T monitors to a limited extent longline when they look at the Pacific’s tuna fish- Division is fully en- • Coordinate monitoring, control and organization.’ Although the EEZ of the Marshall Is- ery. Behind the revenue gain of the past gaged in the many surveillance programs with domestic vessels operating in the country’s EEZ. lands is on the fringe of the main tuna The Division also engages with Mar- several years is an equally significant in- activities required and regional law enforcement partners fishing zones in the western and cen- crease in engagement by MIMRA in all • Participate in regional fisheries man- shall Islands Ports Authority, Marshall to effectively tral Pacific, the Marshall Islands has aspects of the tuna fishery. agement organizations and international Islands Police Department’s Sea Patrol, ing days for the purse seine fishery to benefited by its membership in PNA. This engagement requires MIMRA manage fishing fisheries conferences to promote sustain- Majuro Atoll Local Government Police, about 45,000 per year and maintains a PNA’s revenue generation and sustain- Oceanic Division staff to: within the Marshall ability of the Pacific fishery. Marshall Islands Environmental Protec- minimum benchmark price of $8,000 ability initiatives demonstrate the eco- • Manage statistical data for domestic Islands’ 200-mile MIMRA’s Oceanic Division is fully tion Authority and others involved in per fishing day. Within this number, fish- nomic and management power of this monitoring and enforcement of laws and and regional fisheries reporting require- exclusive economic engaged in the many activities required ing days are allotted to each of the PNA resource rights-based organization and ments to effectively manage fishing within the regulations governing tuna transship- members. In addition, the VDS system the cooperative arrangement to control • Manage the Parties to the Nauru zone.’ Marshall Islands’ 200-mile exclusive ment operations in Majuro Port. requires 100 percent fisheries observer the fishery. Agreement (PNA) Vessel Day Scheme economic zone (EEZ). It also works coverage of all purse seiners fishing in MIMRA operating and non-operating (VDS) for both purse seine and longline with regional and international organi- VDS impacts the the region, in-port transshipment for ad- total revenue shows a similar increase. vessels Majuro Atoll zations such as the Majuro-based PNA ditional verification, annual moratori- In 2012, the total operating and non- • Train fisheries observers, dispatch • Increase independent verification of Office (PNAO), the Western and Central purse seine fishery ums for use of fish aggregating devices operating revenue generated by MIMRA fisheries observers on fishing vessels catches on longline vessels Pacific Fisheries Commission -(WCP (FADs), and other conservation and was $10,506,958. Five years later, in and debrief them on return, ensure 100 • Promote local participation in the FC), the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), PNA’s VDS is the most important management measures. 2017, this figure jumped to $36,104,511, percent observer coverage of purse seine commercial tuna fishery and the Pacific Community (SPC) and management tool for the Pacific fish- The VDS is a management tool that a 243 percent increase. The commercial fishing trips and tuna transshipments in • Manage arrangements with locally- their respective members to manage the ery. Through the VDS, PNA limits fish- allows PNA members to sustainably fishery accounts for nearly all of this

26 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 27 OCEANIC OCEANIC Record Fisheries MIMRA officials support monitor for RMI all ships revenue. In addition to the VDS and A transshipment vessel takes care of a With Pacific International Inc. -open fishing rights, other revenue is generated MIMRA staff monitored almost all transshipment purse seiner’s catch in Majuro lagoon. ing its Majuro Net Yard in 2017, this from the fishery through fishing licens- and off-loading of catches in 2017. now offers purse seiners the ability to es, transshipment fees, fishing violation repair their nets while in the fishing fines, and observer fees. In addition, grounds, saving them long trips back to MIMRA’s joint venture purse seine ves- the world’s biggest tuna transshipment China-flagged vessels were next with Asian or other ports for repairs. In 2017, In 2017, MIFV also purchased purse 11 in 2016 to 16 in 2017. In total, 257 sel with Koo’s Fishing Company injects hub. Although the number of transship- 72 transshipments for 48,059mt of tuna, the Majuro Net Yard provided services seine-caught fish, mostly whole frozen foreign flagged vessels were licensed to significant revenue annually. ments was lower in 2017 than the previ- followed by US-flagged purse seiners to 15 purse seiners, with heavier usage skipjack (1,777mt), which were includ- fish in Marshall Islands waters in 2017. Sales of fishing days under the VDS ous year, transshipment activity was still that conducted 60 transshipments with toward the second half of the year as ed with container shipments destined for The biggest fleet was the FSM- Ar to purse seiners that are not Marshall strong. 38,429mt of tuna. fishing companies became aware of the Asian markets. rangement purse seine vessels, which Islands-flagged or based generated over There were 423 purse seine transship- Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands newly opened facility. The Pan Pacific Foods tuna loining are domestically registered vessels in the $8,000 per day in 2017. Fishing days ments in Majuro Port in 2017 with a and Federated States of Micronesia- In addition to purse seine vessel trans- plant in Majuro, which in 2017 had three Pacific Islands and by joining the FSM sold to Marshall Islands-flagged or provisional total of 292,552 metric tons flagged vessels were the next largest shipments, MIMRA Fisheries Observers Marshall Islands-flagged and two -char Arrangement gain multiple zone access. based purse seiners were priced at either (mt) transshipped. Each of these tuna users of Majuro Port with 48, 44 and and Officers monitored almost all off- tered purse seiners supplying tuna to FSMA purse seine vessels registered to- $5,000 or $6,000 each. Days not sold transshipments averaged 692mt. This 25 transshipments, respectively. Other loading of catches by the 31 longline it, exported 2,398mt of processed tuna taled 76, the same as in 2016. The next to various fishing companies were put compares to 573 transshipments in 2016 purse seiners that used Majuro to trans- vessels associated with the Marshall loins. This was less tonnage than 2016, largest fleet was Japan’s, a mix of purse into a regional “pool” that commanded for 410,948 tons, an average of 717mt ship in 2017 included Solomon Islands, Islands Fishing Venture (MIFV), a Ma- when PPF exported 3,132 processed seiners (25), pole-and-line vessels (16) a higher price, generating over $10,000 per transshipment. In 2017, Majuro Port Kiribati, Vanuatu, S. Korea, Philippines juro-based company, in 2017. MIFV is tuna. and longliners (6). China had 36 ves- per fishing day sold. averaged 35 tuna transshipments each and Tuvalu. a subsidiary of Luen Thai. The MIFV sels that included 30 longliners and six The continuing expansion of fisheries month. Tuna transshipments in 2017 gener- longline fleet off-loaded a provisional purse seiners. The United States licensed revenue produced an all-time record in The majority of the tonnage was ated $596,000 in revenue for MIMRA, total of 4,067mt, most of it bound for Tuna caught 31 purse seiners to fish in Marshall Is- 2017 for MIMRA transfers to the na- skipjack tuna, which accounted for down from the 2016 transshipment rev- export markets. Most of this total — lands waters in 2017, while Taiwan had tional government for budget support. in RMI EEZ 223,419mt. A total of 63,161mt of yel- enue of $799,000. 3,410mt — was exported to markets in 27 purse seiners and S. Korea had 26 In 2017, fisheries revenue provided to lowfin tuna and 5,972mt of bigeye tuna MIMRA monitored almost 100 per- the US, China and Canada. Frozen fish purse seiners. FSM-flagged longliners the national government amounted to The number of foreign fishing vessels rounded out the total transshipped at cent of the in-port transshipments in (rejects and bycatch), designated as “Lo- accounted for 13 vessels and Tuvalu had $40,129,700 — a 53 percent increase licensed to fish in Marshall Islands EEZ 292,552mt. 2017 with Fisheries Officers or Fisheries cal,” are shipped to Asia via transport one purse seiner. over the $26,285,938 provided the pre- increased for the second straight year Additionally, most transshipments by Observers. containers and/or sold locally. The Lo- The only fleets that reduced in 2017 vious year. after a modest decline in 2015. Virtu- the national purse seine fleet are carried There is significant spinoff benefit cal portion accounted for 657mt in 2017. ally all fleets showed small increases in compared to the previous year were US out in Majuro, although at times other to the Marshall Islands economy from The 2017 total tuna tonnage offloaded by the number of vessels licensed to fish in purse seiners, which dropped from 33 to Tuna transshipments ports in the region are utilized. these purse seine vessels and the carrier MIFV’s 31 longliners is slightly above Marshall Islands waters. Not all vessels 31, and Japan purse seiners, which de- Taiwan-flagged vessels accounted vessels that anchor in Majuro’s lagoon the 3,826mt recorded in 2016. licensed were active in the Marshall Is- clined from 30 to 25. All other increased and exports for the largest number of transship- waiting for purse seiner transshipment. The breakdown of the MIFV longline lands EEZ during 2017. or stayed the same from 2016. ments with 132 — 31 percent — of the Crewmembers regularly buy from lo- catch in 2017 was bigeye tuna 2,154mt The number of purse seiners licensed Commercial catches within the Mar- The requirement of in-port transship- total. These purse seiners transshipped cal retail and wholesale stores, and use and yellowfin tuna 1,495mt. Blue- mar to fish increased from 190 in 2016 to 192; shall Islands EEZ are taken predomi- ment of tuna for purse seiners operat- 93,933mt tons of tuna. Taiwan purse restaurants, bars and hotels. The vessels lin, wahoo, mahi mahi, swordfish, sail- longliners increased from 41 in 2016 to nantly by the purse seine fishery but ing in the western and central Pacific seiners also accounted for the largest often re-provision and refuel in Majuro, fish and Opah accounted for the balance 49, and pole-and-line vessels went from longline and pole-and-line operations fishery has seen Majuro develop into percentage of transshipments in 2016. further benefiting the local economy. of tonnage. also occur. In 2017, estimated total catch

28 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 29 OCEANIC OCEANIC Longline figures up in 2017 data for purse seine fleets operating in the main species making up the pole- vessels 921mt, and Chinese vessels 7mt. the Marshall Islands EEZ show that and-line catch composition. From 2015 Japan longline vessels, which offload Marshall Islands purse seine vessels ac- through 2017, skipjack accounted for their catch in Japanese ports, reported an counted for 7,252mt — 32 percent — of 100 percent of the total tonnage caught. additional 297mt of tuna caught in the the 22,707mt catch in 2017, followed by Japan is the only country using pole- Marshall Islands EEZ in 2017. Bigeye Taiwan vessels that brought in 6,759mt. and-line in Marshall Islands waters. and yellowfin catches continued to ac- US, Papua New Guinea, S. Korea, Kiri- • The 3,604mt longline catch in 2017 count for the major part — 86 percent bati, Japan and FSM vessels accounted increased from the previous year’s — of the target catch composition for for the rest of the purse seine catch in 3,136mt. The domestically-based for- longliners in 2017. Boarding officers at work on a ship. 2017. eign longline fleet comprises vessels In the purse seine fishery, most fish- • Meanwhile, pole-and-line fishing from China, FSM and previously Tai- ing takes place in the southern portion by Japan vessels continued a three-year wan that are managed and operated of the Marshall Islands EEZ. Longline tonnage decline to 72mt, compared to under MIFV. These three accounted for fishing effort also occurs in the southern 430mt in 2016. The short-term trend most of the 3,604mt caught by longlin- areas of the EEZ but is more widely dis- continues to show catch reduction be- ers in 2017, with Marshall Islands-char- tributed throughout the Marshall Islands Weather changes Total Catch Purse Seine Fleets* in tween years. Skipjack has always been tered vessels bringing in 2,379mt, FSM zone. the Marshall Islands EEZ 2012-2017 affect catch data Year BET SKJ YFT OTH Total 2012 416 22,977 835 14 24,242 for all types of commercial fishing combined was 26,383mt, 2013 538 40,113 1,514 6 42,171 with purse seine vessels accounting for 86 percent (22,707mt), 2014 668 66,196 3,477 18 70,359 Koo’s partnership followed by longline 14 percent (3,604mt), and pole-and-line 2015 126 21,923 4,295 0 26,344 less than one percent (72mt). 2016 569 70,172 5,643 0 76,384 Catch tonnage for the three types of fishing vessels operating 2017 670 19,573 2,446 18 22,707 benefits the RMI in Marshall Islands waters in 2017: The Marshall Islands continued to benefit from its joint Figures are metric tons. • Purse seine catch in the Marshall Islands EEZ decreased venture fishing arrangement with Koo’s Fishing Company significantly from the 78,767mt caught in 2016 to 22,707 in * FSM, Japan, Kiribati, S. Korea, Papua New Guinea, Mar- shall Islands, Taiwan, United States. of Taiwan. In 2017, revenue generated by the joint venture 2017. This year-to-year change primarily reflects environ- with Koo’s amounted to $910,234. This is an increase over the mental conditions affecting location of skipjack tuna. Higher Key: BET=Bigeye Tuna, SKJ=Skipjack Tuna, YFT=Yellowfin Tuna, OTH=Other 2014-2016 three-year annual average of $718,000. Through The Jaluit-registered Marshalls 201. catches are generally recorded during or immediately follow- the Marshall Islands Fishing Company, Koo’s and MIMRA ing strong El Niño periods — an El Niño began building in operate the “Marshalls 201” purse seiner. 2015 and peaked in the first half of 2016. Available logsheet

Total Catch Longline Fleets* in Total Catch Pole-and-Line Fleets* in the Marshall Islands EEZ 2012-2017 the Marshall Islands EEZ 2012-2017 Year ALB BET YFT OTH Total Observer fees up to $815k Year BET SKJ YFT Total 2012 254 4,027 1,372 737 6,390 2012 3 3,578 15 3,596 2013 237 2,972 2,014 738 5,961 he Marshall Islands Fisheries Ob- tor transshipment activity in Majuro fishing trips Fisheries Observers are en- server Program carried out 153 port since the initiative started in late gaged in annually. 2013 3 1,719 4 1,726 2014 172 4,680 2,346 680 7,878 purse seine and 39 longline trips 2015. Two observer trainings were con- 2014 3 3,317 21 3,341 2015 122 2,286 1,380 359 4,147 T during 2017. This is the most longline The Marshall Islands has yet to place ducted in both 2016 and in 2017. This 2015 0 615 2 617 2016 67 1,522 1,127 420 3,136 vessels monitored by Marshall Islands observers on board pole-and-line ves- added 32 newly trained observers to the 2016 0 429 1 430 2017 71 1,698 1,389 445 3,604 Fisheries Observers in one year. sels and as a result observer coverage MIMRA Fisheries Observer team. The 2017 0 72 0 72 Figures are metric tons. Additionally, 44 longline fishing for validation purposes on these vessels Observer Program in collaboration with Figures are metric tons. * China, FSM, Japan, Marshall Islands. trips were electronically observed in an has not been achieved. the College of the Marshall Islands, * Pole-and-line fleet is exclusively Japan. Key: ALB=Albacore, BET=Bigeye Tuna, YFT=Yellowfin Tuna, e-Monitoring trial with domestically- Observer fees increased to $815,987 which manages observer training pro- Key: BET=Bigeye Tuna, SKJ=Skipjack Tuna, YFT=Yellowfin Tuna OTH=Other based vessels. in 2017 compared to $544,040 in 2016. grams in partnership with MIMRA, took Observers were also utilized to moni- This reflects the increasing number of a new approach toward targeting unem-

30 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 31 OCEANIC OCEANIC

Video Total catch by different fishing gear-types cameras operating in the RMI EEZ, 2013-2017 deployed Provisional purse seine transshipments in Majuro port in 2017 on fishing vessels ployed youth and high school dropouts. The program is promoting Fisheries Observer opportunities to encourage the younger generation to see the fisheries sector as a career path they can achieve by going through the Observer Program. In 2015 MIMRA and CMI entered an agreement to have a full time Pacific Islands Regional Fisheries Observer (PIRFO) Trainer. This resulted in bring- certified observer debriefers and four e-monitoring of longline vessels will ing in a new PIRFO Trainer, helping debriefer trainees on its staff in 2017. expand in the future. Training of Fish- to increase the number of training pro- Fisheries Observers were also utilized eries Observers in e-monitoring will en- grams annually. The PIRFO Trainer is to monitor transshipment activity in Port courage them to adapt and upgrade their now tasked to deliver full time Fisher- Majuro, an initiative started in late 2015. skills by using new tools and technol- ies Observer training programs aimed to Coverage of this in-port transshipment ogy for gathering data in an efficient and build capacity in the MIMRA Observer activity was almost 100 percent during timely manner. Program. 2017. MIMRA’s Observer Program contin- A total of 55 Fisheries Observers In addition to providing observers for ues to expand and upgrade its collection were active in 2017, down from 65 the 192 fishing trips of purse seiners and and use of digital fisheries data. Data Fisheries Number previous year. This reflects the ongoing longliners, MIMRA launched a trial for management and handling capacity is a “dropout” rate among observers, which e-monitoring of locally-based longline vital tool for MIMRA. Work was ongo- of foreign saw 41 leave the program from 2014- fishing vessels in 2017. This involved ing in 2017 to improve direct importa- databases purse seine, 2017. placing video cameras on six longline tion of in-port tuna unloading data into for considerable improvements in data In 2017, MIMRA Fisheries Observ- vessels associated with the Marshall the TUFMAN II database. The port collection and management during longline ers and their debriefers were successful Islands Fishing Venture in Majuro. Be- samplers along with other staff collate 2017. and pole- in completing and submitting 100 per- cause longliners have a five percent or the data and enter it into the TUFMAN The aim is an integrated fisheries in- cent of their data collected to the Pacific lower rate of being monitored by Fisher- II database. This continued to progress formation management system that will and-line Community (SPC), which coordinates ies Observers, the use of video cameras with assistance from SPC. Develop- streamline MIMRA’s reporting obliga- vessels catch data for fisheries stock assess- for monitoring their fishing operations ments and improvements to in-house tions to regional and international fish- licensed to ments. is being trialed the Marshall Islands data management systems is another eries organizations. Essential to the Fisheries Observer and three other Pacific island member area of focus to streamline MIMRA’s Going forward, MIMRA is shifting its fish in RMI process is the debriefing that takes place nations of the PNA. During 2017 44 overall management and monitoring ef- focus toward the PNA Office’s fisheries EEZ by year after every fishing trip. This includes longline fishing trips were electronical- forts. information management system as the review of fisheries data collected and ly observed by nine Fisheries Observ- The SPC’s Oceanic Fisheries Program standard for managing its fisheries data. and flag, reviewing any issues that developed ers trained in e-monitoring as part of an has been instrumental in expanding and This will be complemented by existing 2013-2017. during the fishing trip. To effectively ac- e-monitoring trial with domestically- improving data collection efforts. Joint databases such as the TUFMAN II cur- complish this process, MIMRA had six based vessels. MIMRA anticipates that assistance from SPC and FFA allowed rently in use.

32 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 33 OCEANIC OCEANIC Oceanic highlights in 2017

• In 2012, MIMRA received $5,936,978 in VDS and fishing rights revenue. Five years later, in 2017, the amount increased 380 percent to $28,532,685 for the Marshall Islands. MIMRA operating and non-operating total revenue shows a similar in- crease. In 2012, the total operating and non-operating revenue gener- ated by MIMRA was $10,506,958. Five years later, in 2017, this figure jumped to $36,104,511, a 243 percent increase. The commercial fishery ac- counts for nearly all of this revenue. Intensive observer training • Continuing expansion of fisher- ies revenue produced an all-time re- Fisheries Observ- cord in 2017 for MIMRA transfers to A Fisheries Observer adds to his data sheet. Below, the PII net facility. ers receive water the national government for budget safety training support. In 2017, fisheries revenue and classroom provided to the national government instruction at the amounted to $40,129,700 — a 53 per- College of the cent increase over the $26,285,938 Marshall Islands provided the previous year. Arrak Campus. A • There were 423 purse seine trans- MIMRA-CMI part- shipments in Port Majuro in 2017 nership sponsored with a provisional total of 292,552 two observer metric tons (mt) transshipped. trainings in both • The top five purse seine flag 2016 and 2017. states using Port Majuro to trans- ship tuna in 2017 were Taiwan (132), China (72), United States (60), Papua New Guinea (48) and Marshall Is- lands (44). • In 2017, eight Marshall Islands- vessels were licensed to fish in Mar- for purse seiners and provided ser- flagged and two chartered purse shall Islands waters in 2017. vices to 15 purse seiners in 2017. seine vessels operated throughout the • Marshall Islands Fisheries Ob- • Preliminary data for observed in- Western and Central Pacific Ocean. servers went on 153 purse seine teractions with species of special in- The total estimated catch by the na- fishing trips and 39 longline trips, terest by the Marshall Islands purse tional purse seine fleet in 2017 was the most longline fishing trips ever seine fleet included one sea turtle 64,527mt. Skipjack is the prominent monitored in one year. In addition, interaction reported, which was re- species caught comprising 79 percent 44 longline fishing trips were elec- leased alive. In addition, a total of 41 Fisheries Observer trainees receive of the total followed by yellowfin at tronically observed through an e- marine mammal interactions were re- hands-on experience during board- 13 percent and bigeye at eight per- monitoring pilot project. ported. This included 38 individuals ings of fishing vessels in Majuro, in- cent. • The joint venture with Koo’s unintentionally caught, with all but cluding checking net sizes and sonar • The number of foreign fishing Fishing Company for operation of three (rough-toothed dolphins) re- buoy fish aggregating devices (FADs), vessels licensed to fish in Marshall “Marshalls 201” purse seiner netted leased alive. Three interactions with and other data collection on board. Islands EEZ increased for the second MIMRA $910,234 in 2017. whale sharks resulted in all being re- straight year after a modest decline • Pacific International Inc. opened leased alive. No seabird interactions in 2015. In total, 257 foreign flagged the first net repair facility in Majuro were observed during 2017.

34 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 35 LEGAL LEGAL Enforcement of regulations brings in $715,000 in fines IMRA, with the sup- port of the Marshall M Islands Police De- partment’s Sea Patrol and the Attorney General’s Office, ac- Above, Marshall Islands District Court Presiding Judge Milton Zackios deputizes the eight MIMRA officers. tively monitored commercial Below, Attorney General Filimon Manoni attended the ceremony with MIMRA Director Glen Joseph. tuna fishing operations in Mar- shall Islands waters. Three fishing vessels/com- panies paid fines ranging from Fisheries Officers deputized $15,000 to $500,000, with a ight MIMRA officers were depu- This involves identifying and investi- total of $715,000 collected by tized by Marshall Islands District gating potential infringements by fish- MIMRA during FY2017. Court Presiding Judge Milton ing vessels and/or fishing companies Fishing vessels were fined E Zackios at the Marshall Islands Police within the Marshall Islands. MIMRA’s for various violations, includ- Department’s Sea Patrol Conference eight Authorized Officers are from the ing Interference with a Fish- Room on February 10, 2017. These Coastal and Oceanic Divisions. All eries Observer in the Perfor- MIMRA staff are now deemed to be have had formal trainings in fisheries mance of his Duties, violating Authorized Officers under the Fisher- monitoring, control and surveillance the terms of their licenses, and ies Enforcement Act, which is tailored work. Witnessing the deputizing cer- illegal export of spiral shell to support fisheries officers to carry emony was Marshall Islands Attorney trochus. out their duties and responsibilities General Dr. Filimon Manoni MIMRA All three fishing vessels/ to boost enforcement and compliance. Director Glen Joseph. companies paid fines during A Fisheries Officer monitors a tuna transshipment in Port Majuro. this period. New domestic regulations Enforcing the Niue Treaty wo new MIMRA domestic fish- tions provide for significant penalties online. The regulations were approved ery regulations were completed for anyone exporting sea cucumbers by Cabinet. MIMRA has authority to IMRA collaborated with the Forum Fisheries Agency in the Solomon (IUU) fishing activities. On February and put into effect. These are: without a license. A violation of the li- regulate the holding, purchase, sale Attorney General’s Office to Islands. In tandem with the Cabinet 20, 2017, the Marshall Islands officially T• Sea Cucumber Regulations: In censing provisions can result in a fine of and export of marine ornamentals. M draft a Cabinet Paper for the Minute, a resolution to ratify the treaty submitted its instrument of ratification December 2015, MIMRA submitted up to $100,000 in addition to the value The regulations also provide measures domestic ratification of the Niue Trea- was introduced to Nitijela (Parliament) of the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agree- the Sea Cucumber Regulations along of sea cucumbers harvested for export. to control and support local govern- ty. Action for domestic approval of the in the second half of 2016 and was ment (NTSA) to the FFA Director Gen- with supporting documents to the Mar- • Aquarium Fisheries Regulations: ments’ capacity to regulate the col- Niue Treaty followed from the signing unanimously adopted on September 20, eral. This signifies that the Marshall Is- shall Islands High Court for public MIMRA submitted the Aquarium lection of marine ornamentals, which of the treaty by the Marshall Islands. 2016. As a positive milestone, the RMI lands has completed all requirement for access online. The regulations were Fisheries Regulations to the Marshall has developed as a small but signifi- A Cabinet Minute approved the rati- has now joined with other Niue Treaty achieving full membership. approved by Cabinet. The new regula- Islands High Court for public access cant industry in the Marshall Islands. fication of the Niue Treaty, and directed Member Parties strengthen efforts in To develop understanding of the Niue the Minister of Foreign Affairs to de- fisheries surveillance and law enforce- Treaty in the Marshall Islands, the Fo- posit the instrument of accession/ratifi- ment within the region to combat illegal, rum Fisheries Agency (FFA), in con- cation with the Director General of the unreported and unregulated Continued next page

36 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 37 LEGAL FINANCE

MIMRA Fisheries AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS Observers moni- tor the off-load- ing of tuna in Majuro for Pan Highlights of FY2017: Pacific Foods loining plant. Increasing revenue for RMI he Marshall Islands Marine a record-setting year in terms of the National workshop a bonus Resources Authority contin- number of purse seiners using Ma- ued to maintain a high-level juro for transshipment and revenue From previous page level. The FFA developed its NTIS as current national fisheries law in the T of accountability in financial op- generated at $799,000. FY2017 saw junction with MIMRA, conducted a a secured searchable system accessible Marshall Islands, and to address loop- erations during fiscal year 2017. $596,000 brought in by transshipment national workshop on the Niue Treaty only by Parties to the NTSA. It contains holes affecting MCS. Participants at the MIMRA’s FY2017 audit by De- fees for 560 transshipments in Majuro. Subsidiary Agreement (NTSA) from critical information and also authority workshop comprised mainly boarding loitte was “unqualified,” demon- Vessel charter revenue remained sta- February 27 to March 2, 2017. FFA le- to allow any of the Parties to plan and and inspection officers (from the - Mar strating that MIMRA performed its ble at $700,000 following the revenue gal advisor Tion Nabau presented topics conduct cooperative activity within the shall Islands National Police Sea Patrol financial operations satisfactorily level of the previous three years. related to the NTSA and how the newly region. The aim of the workshop was Division, Majuro Atoll Local Govern- and in compliance with “account- Enforcement of fines for violations developed standardized information to review the Monitoring, Control and ment officers, Customs officers, Immi- ing principles generally accepted ‘The majority of of fisheries regulations generated system (NTIS) applies at the national Surveillance (MCS) component of the gration and MIMRA). in the United States of America.” MIMRA’s operating $715,000, nearly double the $380,000 Completing its audit in a timely revenues are relat- during the previous year. Fisheries ob- manner, while preparing and maintain- server fees also rose significantly, from ing all required financial documenta- ed to the Marshall $544,040 in FY2016 to $815,987 in RMI active at WCPFC talks tion, is an essential part of MIMRA’s Islands membership FY2017. commitment to financial transparency in the Parties to the Non-operating revenue added he Marshall Islands delegation ac- agement Measure 2017-04 on Marine and accountability. Nauru Agreement.’ $2,047,217. This included $910,234 tively engaged at the 14th Annual Pollution, with an implementation date of FY2017 continued the upward from the joint venture purse seiner ar- T Meeting of the Western and Central ‘This new conser- 1 January 2019. trend in fishery revenue. Overall, rangement with Koo’s Fishing Com- Pacific Fisheries Commission -(WCP vation measure was • Compliance Monitoring Scheme net operating revenue increased pany, up from the FY2016 return of FC14) in 2017. designed to address (CMS): The Commission also decided from $31,666,145 in FY2016 to latter includes a successful partnership $794,704; grants of $642,939; and in- Among important developments: that the Marshall Islands would lead the $34,057,294 in FY2017 — an in- with other PNA member nations to terest income of $264,104. can damageconcerns marine, that reef cer and - coastal • Marine Pollution Measure: The Intersessional Working Group for the crease of eight percent. The majority sell “pooled” fishing days that gener- MIMRA’s total revenue for FY2017 habitats;tain is harmful activities to marine associ life through- Marshall Islands, on behalf of FFA mem- Compliance Monitoring Scheme, chaired of MIMRA’s operating revenues are ate high revenues mainly because they was $36,104,511, a seven percent in- ghost fishing, entanglement, ingestion bers, introduced a Proposal for a Con- ated with fishing may by MIMRA Director Glen Joseph. related to the Marshall Islands mem- allow fishing fleets multi-zone ac- crease over the previous year. Because and acting as habitat for the spread of servation and Management Measure to affect the marine • 14th Technical and Compliance bership in the Parties to the Nauru cess. In FY2016, MIMRA generated of a record transfer of $40,129,700 to invasive species; and becomes a naviga- limit marine pollution from fishing ves- Committee (TCC14): The Commission Agreement (PNA), which operates the $26,970,078 from the VDS and fish- the national government in FY2017, tion hazard.environment.’ The Marshall Islands’ pro- sels (WCPFC142017-DP15). This new agreed that TCC14 would be held from 26 successful Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) ing rights. In FY2017, this increased MIMRA experienced its first net loss conservation measure was designed to September to 2 October 2018 in Majuro. for the purse seine fishery. FY2017’s nearly six percent to $28,532,685. since 2007. The $40,129,700 transfer address concerns that certain activities posal encouraged Members, Cooperating • Election of Officers of WCPFC: operating revenue amount is 72 per- License fees paid by purse seine and to the national government was 53 associated with fishing may affect the Non-Members, and Participating Terri- MIMRA Director Glen Joseph and MIM- cent higher than the FY2014 level, longline vessels to fish in Marshall Is- percent above the FY2016 transfer marine environment in the Western and tories to more effectively implement the RA Legal Advisor Laurence Edwards, II showing the impact of PNA’s VDS and lands waters also increased. Licenses amount. With expenses at $44,898,690 Central Pacific. In addition, the measure International Maritime Organization’s were appointed by the Commission to MIMRA’s engagement in the commer- generated $2,508,792 in FY2017 for the year, this caused a deficit of is a response to these activities that may legal instruments on marine pollution to key positions for 2018. Edwards was ap- cial tuna fishery. compared to $2,202,988 the previous $8,294,049. The deficit saw MIMRA’s negatively affect the WCPFC’s efforts which they are a party. The proposal also pointed Vice Chairman of the Technical The two main sources of revenue year, a 14 percent increase. net assets decline for the first time in a to minimize incidental mortality of non- encourages other countries to become a and Compliance Committee, and Joseph come from the commercial tuna fishery Tuna transshipment revenue decade, from $41,229,375 in FY2016 target species and impacts on marine eco- party to these instruments at the earliest was appointed to lead the Review of the are the VDS and fisheries rights. The dropped from FY2016, which was to $32,435,326 in FY2017. systems. Abandoned, lost or discarded opportunity. The Commission adopted Compliance Monitoring Scheme by the fishing gear in the marine environment this proposal as Conservation and Man- Intersessional Working Group.

38 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 39 MIMRA: Management’s Financial MIMRA: Management’s Condition and Operations for Discussion and Analysis for FINANCE FY 2017, 2016 and 2015 FINANCE fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015

MARSHALL ISLANDS MARINE RESOURCES AUTHORITY P.O. BOX 860, MIMRA/R&D Bldg., Delap Majuro MH 96960 Comparative Revenue: FY17 vs FY16 vs FY15 Tel. No. (692) 625-8262; Fax No. (692) 625-5447

Financial Condition and Operations of MIMRA

This table summarizes the financial condition and operations of MIMRA for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015. This appears in the FY2017 audit.

Statements of Net Position 2017 2016 Change(%) 2015 ASSETS: Current and other assets $25,170,217 $ 35,141,562 (28%) $32,741,649 Capital assets 1,965,793 1,183,609 66% 202,955 Investment in JV 6,209,153 5,298,919 17% 4,811,417 Total Assets $33,345,163 $ 41,624,090 (20%) $37,756,021 ======LIABILITIES: Current liabilities $ 909,837 $ 394,715 131% $ 508,003

NET POSITION: Investment in capital assets 1,965,793 1,183,609 66% 202,955 Restricted 636,077 423,049 47% - Unrestricted 30,333,456 39,612,717 (25%) 37,045,063

Total Net Assets $32,345,163 $41,624,090 (20%) $ 37,756,021 ======Statements of Revenue, Expenses and Changes in Net Position 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 Change(%) 2015 1 Fishing Rights $3,143,085 $2,978,087 $9,177,671 REVENUES: 2 Vessel Day Scheme Revenue 25,389,600 23,991,991 15,228,935 Operating Revenue $ 34,057,294 $31,666,145 8% $31,569,468 3 License fee collections 2,508,792 2,202,988 1,621,500 Non-Operating Revenue 2,047,217 2,122,087 (4%) 608,612 4 Transshipment fees 596,000 799,000 677,000 Total Revenue 36,104,511 33,788,232 7% 32,178,080 5 Fishing violation fines 715,000 380,000 3,235,000 ======EXPENSES: 6 Boat chartering fee 700,000 700,000 700,000 Operating Expenses 4,759,761 3,520,937 16% 3,821,084 7 Observers fees 815,987 544,040 647,419 Non-operating expenses 40,138,929 26,285,938 53% 15,773,000 8 Others 196,430 70,039 426,092 Total Expenses 44,898,690 29,806,875 51% 19,594,084 9 TOTAL REVENUES 34,064,764 31,666,145 31,713,617

Changes in net assets (8,294,049) 3,981,357 (321)% 12,583,996 Recovery (Allowance) for bad debts (7,470) - (144,149) Net assets at beg. of year 41,229,375 37,248,018 11% 24,664,022 NET REVENUES 34,057,294 31,666,145 31,569,468 Net assets at end of year $32,435,326 $41,229,375 (21)% $37,248,018 ======Overall Change FY2017 vs FY2016 2,391,149 8%

40 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 41 Republic of the Marshall Island Department of Public Works

OFFICE OF THE BUILDING OFFICIAL

District/City/Municipality

LAND USE & ZONING

LINE & GRADE

STRUCTURAL

Above, an artist’s drawing of the new MIMRA headquarters. SANITARY/PLUMBING Left and right, construction of the building 1 is nearing A-1.0 NTS completion. Planning for the future ELECTRICAL new multi-story head- It will also support a new Com- quarters building for petent Authority, international col- A MIMRA was in the plan- ‘The new head- laboration with partner agencies ning and development stages from quarters will and donors, including the Parties ELECTRONICS COMMUNICATION 2017. It is expected to be complete showcase the to the Nauru Agreement, Forum in late 2018. Fisheries Agency, Pacific Com- Since its establishment in the importance of all munity (SPC), Western and Cen- 1980s, MIMRA has been located aspects of tral Pacific Fisheries Commision, in the Ministry of Commerce, Re- fisheries to World Bank, Japan Overseas Fish- sources and Development build- eries Cooperation Foundation, and ing. MIMRA has seen its staffing the Marshall international non-government or- level grow from a handful of staff to Islands.’ ganizations. MECHANICAL nearly 100 in 2017, and expects con- In addition, the new headquarters tinued growth in the future. This put will support the much anticipated MIMRA in an impossibly cramped Most importantly, it will support implementation of the protected situation at the ministry and led to and accommodate expansion of area network (PAN) legislation, the development of the new headquar- MIMRA’s work. Marshall Islands National Oceans ters. This includes expanded facilities Policy, Reimmaanlok (Looking to The new headquarters will show- for monitoring, control and surveil- the Future) program, and collabora- ISSUED FOR case the 2importance of all aspects lance, and MIMRA’s fisheries infor- tion with the Coastal Management 3 of fisheriesA-1.0 toSCALE the 1/16 " : Marshall1 ' Islands. Advisory Council. A-1.0 SCALE 1/32 " : 1 ' CONSTRUCTION mation management system. MAY 2016

PERSPECTIVE 6842 MPAAI SITE DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROPOSED NEW MIMRA MARSHALL ISLANDS LOCATION MAP TITO MOISES S. ENCINAS, fuap 1 - 14 - 2016 JAD/DJM HEADQUARTERS BUILDING MARINE RESOURCES AUTHORITY 42 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 134 - 625 - 305 RED MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017 43

MAKATI CITY 01 DELAP, MAJURO, REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority www.mimra.com 44 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2017