MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 1 Marine Resources Authority

ANNUAL REPORT 2018

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 2018 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Marshall Islands promotes IUU-free region by 2023 everal important initiatives for re- more fully engage in the commercial tuna gional and domestic fisheries con- Message from Dennis industry “value chain.” PNA’s “vessel S servation and management were Momotaro, Chairman day scheme” (VDS) revolutionized is- launched in and by the Marshall Islands of the MIMRA Board of land management of and engagement in in 2018. The essential message is that Directors and Minister of the purse seine fishery since it went into although our small islands lack the re- play in 2010. The VDS is a platform that sources of distant water fishing nations, Natural Resources and allows greater participation by individual we must actively engage in all aspects Commerce. PNA members or groups of islands. At the of managing commercial tuna fisheries moment, the Marshall Islands, through Message from MIMRA Board Chairman in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean MIMRA, sells several thousand fishing Minister Dennis Momotaro and our own domestic marine resources. days annually to fishing companies, sales If we don’t properly manage our fisher- that generate around $25 million annu- Page 5 ies resources, we will lose out on benefits ally. MIMRA is looking to move beyond from these fisheries and maintaining fish- simply selling fishing days to engaging in Message from MIMRA Director ing at sustainable levels will become a the entire tuna value chain from catch to major concern. processing — all of which contribute a Glen Joseph Among the important actions during piece of the multi-billion dollar value of 2018: the tuna industry in the Pacific. Pages 6 and 7 • President Hilda Heine challenged the • On the domestic front, we are con- region to end illegal, unreported and un- tinuing to promote our National Oceans Coastal and Community Affairs regulated (IUU) fishing by 2023. Presi- Policy and Implementation Plan for sus- dent Heine issued the call to action at the tainable management of coastal fisheries. Page 8 end of the 14th Technical and Compliance The Reimaanlok (Looking to the Future) Committee meeting in Majuro in early BOARD MEMBERS program involves outer island leaders Oceanic October. “IUU has devastating conse- and communities in developing marine quences,” the President said. “It is organ- Chairman Minister of Natural Re- resource management plans for their Page 26 ized crime that affects socio-economic sources and Commerce Dennis P. islands. It continued to reach out to re- growth and future generations.” The Mar- Momotaro, Vice-Chairman Bobby mote island communities in 2018. We are Legal Affairs shall Islands is working with the Forum Muller, Tommy Kijiner, Jr., Danny happy to see the giant clam hatcheries in Fisheries Agency, the Parties to the Nauru Wase, Moriana Philip, Sa’ane Arno and Likiep atolls back in action and Page 38 Agreement, the Western and Central Pa- Aho’, and Rina Keju. Outgoing helping to generate a portion of Marshall cific Fisheries Commission, individual board members in 2018: Attorney Islands exports to overseas aquarium mar- countries and others for action to end IUU General Filimon Manoni and late kets. Finance and Corporate Affairs fishing in our region. Foreign Secretary Bruce Kijiner. • MIMRA’s Coastal Division is in- Page 42 • The Marshall Islands hosted the volved in addressing ongoing an emerging second Parties to the Nauru Agreement coastal resource management issues rang- (PNA) Leaders Summit in Majuro in ear- another essential step in the evolution of ing from coral bleaching and ciguatera MIMRA’s New Home ly March. This meeting sharpened PNA’s PNA’s rights-based management of tuna fish poisoning to radiological monitoring goals and focus on management issues fisheries. If we do not own our own fisher- of ocean water and the toxic contamina- Page 46 such as management of fish aggregating ies data, we cannot hope to properly man- tion of reef fish at the US Army Garrison, devices (FADs), ending high-seas bunker- age the fishery. base headquarters. ing (refuelling), and expanding the suc- • Collaboration between PNA and FFA In 2018, MIMRA contributed $29.4 cessfully implemented vessel day scheme is increasing, which benefits conservation million to the national budget of the for purse seiners to the longline fishing and management in the region. In addi- Marshall Islands from its VDS fishing industry. Each of these policy decisions tion, the Marshall Islands sees a greater revenue. This amounted to 13 percent of have important conservation and manage- level of cooperation with FFA members national government revenue, underlining ment impact on tuna fisheries, and also re- by a number of fishing nations engaged in the critical importance of effective con- duce opportunities for illicit activity such the WCPFC process over the past year. In servation and management measures to Cover photos: Francisco Blaha. as trafficking in persons and smuggling. this regard, Japan stands out for its will- ensure the fishery is sustainably managed • PNA’s decision to buy the Fisheries ingness to consult FFA nations on fisher- for long-term benefits. Inside and back cover photos: Francisco Blaha, Lyla Lemari, Emma Kabua-Tibon, Karen Earnshaw, Information Management System (FIMS) ies management initiatives and proposals. Melba White, Rebecca Lathrop, Kelly Lorennij, Benedict Yamamura, and Jessie Capelle. from the company that developed it is • MIMRA has begun taking steps to Dennis Momotaro

4 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 5 Sustainable policies the key to success IMRA continued to make ate value — revenue — from the tuna progress on both coastal and resource at every stage in the process oceanic fisheries manage- Message New Deputy from catch to processing. MIMRA’s M Director, ment in 2018. MIMRA’s marine re- from Glen concept for fuller participation is in line sources management work continued to Joseph, Coastal, with rights-based management, which expand as resource sustainability — for Florence is what the PNA group has brought to Director, food security and revenue generation Edwards the purse seine fishery and is now devel- — became increasingly important in Marshall with continu- oping for the longline industry. PNA’s light of pressure on tuna and coastal re- Islands ing Deputy VDS is the tool that allows us to engage sources from over-exploitation, climate Marine Director, fully in the purse seine fishery. change and pollution. Resources Oceanic, The decision to implement a VDS for Samuel the longline industry was first endorsed As MIMRA’s revenue base continued Authority. its multi-year expansion, our financial Lanwi, Jr. in 2015 when a majority of the nine par- management and accountability con- ticipating islands in the PNA agreed to tinued to improve: In FY2018, De- the plan. Over the ensuring three years loitte auditors reported that they “did more joined and by the end of 2018, all not identify any deficiencies in internal nine islands in the PNA agreed to imple- control that we consider to be material ment the longline VDS. The solidarity weaknesses.” The audit also confirmed of the entire PNA for VDS management there were no instances of non-compli- of the longline industry is a major de- ance with laws, regulations, contracts velopment for improving management and grant agreements. Finally, there of tuna resources in the region. As with were no unresolved audit findings from the VDS for purse seiners, it can be ex- the previous year. All of this testifies to pected that implementation of the VDS MIMRA maintaining high standards of for longline vessels will take several accountability. years to fully enforce. Our enforcement and legal team in- eries at Arno and Likiep atolls were Kwajalein Island and nearby small is- In 2018, MIMRA took steps to initi- renovated and upgraded, with new lands, coral bleaching events, and cigu- ate the establishment of the first “Com- stituted a number of fines on fishing ‘The Fisheries vessels that violated fishing rules and ‘Among a stocks and renewed production efforts. atera fish poisoning are among a range petent Authority” in the Marshall Is- regulations governing treatment of fish- variety of projects, MIMRA gained valuable support from of issues needing research and study that Information lands. Once in place, a Competent eries observers. Observers and enforce- our Coastal Japan’s Overseas Fishery Cooperation is driven by the Marshall Islands. Management Authority can facilitate fish exports to the European Union, the world’s largest ment officers managed and documented Division is working Foundation for maintaining services for This Coastal Division work is in System is outer island fishers through the opera- line with and implements the National seafood market. A Competent Author- the heavy flow of tuna through Majuro, to produce atoll instrumental for the world’s busiest tuna transshipment tion of the fish markets at Majuro and Ocean Policy adopted by government ity is an entity that provides independ- port. In 2018, Majuro saw 402 trans- profiles that will Kwajalein, which operate transport during the year, following the First Na- MIMRA’s ent verification through inspections of shipments moving 306,796 tons of tuna allow marine re- vessels that bring reef fish and produce tional Oceans Symposium in 2017. management of vessels and processing plants, labora- tory testing, and catch documentation from purse seine vessels to carrier ves- source managers to from the outer islands to the two fish In the Oceanic Division, MIMRA is the vessel day markets for sale. utilizing PNA’s Fisheries Information to confirm that tuna catches for export sels for onward transport to processing appreciate unique scheme (VDS) plants. MIMRA worked in 2018 to develop Management System (FIMS) to man- meet EU requirements. An important development for aspects of different a “survey protocol” to address ongo- age the purse seine tuna fishery. FIMS and our The EU requires seafood exports strengthening the work of the Coastal islands throughout ing and emerging issues needing col- is instrumental for MIMRA’s manage- resource from the Marshall Islands or other third countries meet compliance requirements Division was the hiring of the first the country.’ lection of baseline date, research and ment of the vessel day scheme (VDS) sovereignty.’ Deputy Director, Coastal. Florence Ed- action. With the capacity MIMRA is and our resource sovereignty. FIMS al- through a recognized Competent Au- wards, our long-time Coastal Division developing, we will be able to deploy lows us to track our assets. Right now thority. The key is to establish national Chief, was promoted to this Deputy Di- a national monitoring system. Among a it is heavily focused on purse seiners, standards that meet international stand- rector position, joining Samuel Lanwi, resources. This is focused on ensuring variety of projects, our Coastal Division but will be expanded to include longline engaging in the entire value chain of ards. The process will take several years Jr., Deputy Director, Oceanic, in these food security, environmental protec- is working to produce atoll profiles that vessels as PNA implements the VDS for the purse seine tuna fishery. Now, ves- before everything is in place and is now two key posts. tion, local livelihoods and getting com- will allow marine resource managers the longline industry. From MIMRA’s sels are paying us to access a portion of moving forward. MIMRA and its partners in the Coast- munities engaged as resource owners to appreciate unique aspects of differ- viewpoint, it is extremely important that the value chain (fishing days). We want All of our efforts at MIMRA are cen- al Management Advisory Council, en- and managers. We want communities to ent islands throughout the country. In PNA has agreed to purchase the FIMS to take an integrated approach to fish- tered on sustainable management of gaged with outer island communities to have a greater sense of ownership and addition, concerns such as radiological system so that we will own this essential eries development. Instead of deriving marine resources for today and future develop resource management plans for responsibility over coastal resources. contamination of land and ocean areas, tool for managing our fishing zones. revenue from only sale of fishing days, benefits. effective management of their marine During the year, the giant clam hatch- industrial contamination of reef fish at MIMRA explored options in 2018 for MIMRA sees the opportunity to gener- Glen Joseph

6 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 7 COASTAL COASTAL COASTAL

AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Coastal Division staff with Ebon community members, including Mayor Ione deBrum (far right), during a Reimaanlok consultation. Coastal staff conducted surveys of reef health on remote outer islands in 2018. Sustainably managing our islands resources ustainable management and de- resources and our ocean and lagoons. It munity education and resource surveys the Marshall Islands. Coastal staff has velopment of coastal marine re- also led to development of a new Mar- to drafting plans and establishing ma- ‘The National been trained over the past two years as S sources is the over-riding aim shall Islands National Ocean Policy to rine protected areas (MPAs). In 2018, ‘MIMRA engaged part of an International Atomic Energy of MIMRA’s Coastal and Community Ocean Policy guide the country. The National Ocean Coastal staff worked with the commu- with SPC to run a Agency program aimed at developing Affairs Division. The large Exclusive focuses on four Policy and a companion Implementa- nities of Utrok, Maloelap, Wotje, Ebon, training and national radiation monitoring capacity Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Marshall areas: Sustainable tion Plan were officially rolled out at Ujae and Lae. All were in various stag- National Stakehold in the Marshall Islands with MIMRA Islands is dotted with numerous inhab- fisheries; climate the end of 2017 and began implemen- es of the Reimaanlok Process. Consultation on and the Marshall Islands EPA. ited atolls and individual islands repre- tation in 2018. The National Ocean • The important, ongoing partnership change impacts; Aquatic Biosecu- • An important new effort launched sented by 24 local governments. It is Policy focuses on four areas: Sustain- with the Coastal Management Advisory in 2018 to address marine biosecu- these communities — traditional, elect- marine pollution; able fisheries; climate change impacts; Committee (CMAC). Through CMAC, rity. This focused on rity. MIMRA engaged with the Pacific ed and community leaders, churches, and coral reefs marine pollution; and coral reefs and MIMRA engages with numerous part- improving MIMRA’s Community (SPC) to run a training youth groups, fishers, copra makers, and marine marine protected areas. ner organizations, including the Mar- and the Quarantine and National Stakehold Consultation students, and all members of these protected areas.’ The Coastal Division’s work covers shall Islands Environmental Protection Division’s capacity.’ on Aquatic Biosecurity. This focused communities — who are the essential a range of domestic resource issues, in- Authority, College of the Marshall Is- on improving MIMRA’s and the Quar- component in developing sustainable cluding: lands, Marshall Islands Conservation antine Division’s capacity to address practices for marine resource use on • Developing Local Resources Com- Society and others. This increases col- aquatic biosecurity standards, border their islands. worked with local governments and mittees and Resource Management laboration for sustainable marine re- dress ciguatera fish poisoning, coral control, and risk issues. It also included In 2018, the Coastal Division con- communities in the two urban atolls of Plans with local communities through source management initiatives, includ- bleaching and other concerns. Coupled preparation for developing a protocol tinued to expand ties with outer islands Majuro and Kwajalein. the Reimaanlok (Looking to the Fu- ing survey work. For over 10 years, with ongoing reef surveys in 2018 was introduction and translocation of ma- communities to assist them in the pro- The 2017 National Oceans Sympo- ture) Process. The Reimaanlok Process CMAC has proved to be an effective an active laboratory to analyze sam- rine organisms in the Marshall Islands. cess of developing resource manage- sium, held in Majuro, provided a re- sets out a series of eight steps that guide partnership for furthering sustainable ples, particularly in relation to the prob- • Outreach education to schools and ment plans to ensure sustainable use of newed focus on the importance of sus- development of Resource Management development work. lem of ciguatera. These surveys also communities throughout the Marshall marine resources on the atolls. It also tainable management and use of marine Plans, including everything from com- • Reef and marine life surveys to ad- relate to the Nuclear Test Legacy in Islands. Outreach programs to local

8 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 COASTAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 9 COASTAL COASTAL Focus on Bringing clams, fish in FADs and from the markets islands schools aim to increase awareness of munity survey work. The Coastal Di- children and young adults about marine vision developed effective partnerships resources and the need for sustainable with outer island local governments conservation and use. and communities through the Reimaan- • Installation and maintenance of fish lok Process’ step-by-step exercise of aggregating devices (FADs) for the engagement to develop resource man- benefit of local fishers. In 2018, Coastal agement plans. staff worked with the Kwajalein Atoll These outer islands partnerships Local Government and com- were a core part of the Coastal Divi- munity to deploy two FADs in Kwaja- sion’s work in 2018. lein and one FAD at Lib Island. This The partnership empowers the local follows the successful deployment of MIMRA Coastal staff building one of three FADs for Kwajalein and Lib. community to identify needs, problems MIMRA Fish Market marketing officer assistant and cutter Allu Anmontha. new FADs on Majuro Atoll in 2017. products. In 2018, there were two reg- and solutions for sustainable resource sition in 2018 as the top export among • Preparation and production of a 28- istered exporters of these marine prod- management. marine ornamentals. page manual for giant clam farming in ‘The Coastal ucts. The OFCF provided technical ad- ‘The Outer Islands The Outer Islands Fish Market in Ma- the Marshall Islands. The new manual Division maintained vice and financial support to maintain Fish Market in juro (OIFMC) made 49 visits to five out- is titled: Giant Clam Production in the important Partnerships Coastal Division facilities on the outer er atolls in 2018 to purchase fish for sale Republic of the Marshall Islands: A islands, including giant clam hatcheries Majuro (OIFMC) partnerships in 2018 in Majuro. This represented a 20 percent Condensed Guideline. at Arno and Likiep atolls, and ice ma- made 49 visits to increase over 2017, although the number that included the MIMRA’s Coastal Division main- • Management of two fish markets, tained important partnerships in 2018 chines at the Outer Islands Fish Market five outer atolls in of islands serviced for fish collection de- the Outer Islands Fish Market Center outer island lo- with the outer island local communi- Center in Majuro and at fish bases on 2018 to purchase clined from seven to five. The Kwajalein in Majuro and the Kwajalein Atoll Fish the outer islands that are essential to cal communities ties, the Coastal Management Advisory fish for sale in Atoll Fish Market Center (KAFMC) at Market Center on Ebeye. The two fish and the Coastal Committee (CMAC), Japan Overseas supporting development of local com- experienced an extended Majuro ... a 20 markets operate vessels that purchase Management Ad- Fisheries Cooperation Foundation mercial fishing. period of mechanical challenges with its fish and local produce from residents of visory Committe (OFCF), the World Bank through its Collaboration with the Mayors As- percent increase one ocean transport vessel, preventing remote islands for sale in Majuro and sociation continued to be an important it from buying fish from atolls and- is (CMAC)...’ Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape over 2017.’ Ebeye. Program (PROP), and the Marshall Is- way to engage effectively with outer lands neighboring Kwajalein Atoll. The • A maintenance and repair program lands Mayors Association. The collab- islands leaders and communities in fol- KAFMC did, however, make multiple providing essential services for the fleet orative work with these entities made it low up to the National Ocean Symposi- visits to islands within Kwajalein Atoll of ocean transport vessels the two fish Wotje, Jaluit and Arno atolls; MIM- possible in 2018 to advance sustainable um in 2017 and the Mayors Association aquarium fish as well as giant clams to purchase fish that was sold at Ebeye. markets used for picking up fish from RA’s vehicles; and small fishing boats marine resource management. adoption, by resolution, of the “Guiding and farmed coral — were exported by It also received two shipments of fresh outer islands; the fish market facilities provided to support local commercial CMAC and the World Bank’s PROP Principles to Sustain and be Sustained two companies to Asia, Europe and the fish from the OIFMC in Majuro. in Majuro and Ebeye, including ice- fishing on remote islands. program provided essential advice, by our Ocean and Coral Reefs” — the United States. Coastal Division staff Maintenance and renovation, sup- makers; giant clam hatcheries at Arno • Oversight of harvests and exports expertise and resources to support the document that is the foundation for the monitored and approved exports for the ported by Japan’s OFCF, helped to keep and Likiep atolls and a hatchery at of sea cucumbers, aquarium fish, gi- outer islands work of the Reimaanlok National Ocean Policy. two registered companies. The Flame the two outer island clam hatcheries in Woja, in Majuro Atoll; fish bases in ant clams, and other marine ornamental Process, including resource and com- Marine ornamentals — largely Angel fish continued its multi-year po- operation in 2018. 10 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 COASTAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 11 COASTAL COASTAL Center a huge bonus for island fisherfolk KAFMC focus on Kwaj Due to ongoing maintenance issues with the one fish-collection vessel at the Kwajalein Atoll Fish Market Center (KAFMC), the KAFMC concentrated on collecting fish and local produce from islands within Kwajalein Atoll for resale at the Ebeye Island fish market. Logisti- cal challenges of obtaining parts to fix the F/V Laintok and the need to bring the vessel to Majuro to perform the required The Outer Islands Fish Market Center opposite Uliga Dock in Majuro. maintenance prevented the vessel from servicing outer islands to collect fish as it FISH MARKETS did in 2017. Outer Islands Fish Market Center, Majuro The KAFMC was able to make fish and Fish Purchased/Sold FY2018 produce collection trips to small islands he Coastal Division’s Out- in the western part of Kwajalein Atoll to Atoll Lbs. Purchased Price Lbs. Sol Sales er Islands Fish Market Center supply the KAFMC on Ebeye. During Arno 55,873 $63,563 40,543 $90,806 (OIFMC) conducted 49 trips to 2018, KAFMC directly injected $18,190 Aur 29,703 $32,126 12,658 $29,995 T outer islands to purchase fish in 2018, for 11,330 pounds of fish and $3,393 for Maloelap 12,914 $15,158 8,976 $20,211 an increase of eight compared to 2017. Likiep 2,939 $3,160 1,940 $4,776 local produce totaling $21,583 that went Wotje 8,487 $10,177 6,284 $14,171 In 2018, the OIFMC fish collection ves- directly to local fishers and farmers. sels concentrated on five atolls. The amount paid to Kwajalein Atoll Total 109,918 $124,183 70,401 $159,959 The amount of fish purchased from The Kwajalein Atoll Fish Market Center. residents for fish and local produce in- these five outer atolls declined com- creased in 2018 compared to the $15, 009 pared to 2017, but the price paid to local ceived $32,126 for 29,704 pounds of OIFMC also initiated grouping atolls in injected to the local community in 2017. Kwajalein Atoll Fish Market Center fishers remained relatively consistent in fish; Maloelap fishers received $15,158 one trip to maximize the amount of fish The combination of fish and produce 2018 compared to previous years. Lo- for 12,915 lbs of fish; Wotje fishers per trip landed on Majuro. Although the from Kwajalein Atoll and the delivery of Atoll Lbs. Purchased Price Local Produce Purchased cal fishers received $124,183 from pur- received $10,177 for 8,488 pounds of number of atolls serviced decreased in fish from the OIFMC in Majuro on the Kwajalein 11,330 $18,190 $3,393 chases during 2018. The amount paid fish; and Likiep fishers received $3,160 2018 (Jaluit received no trips this year F/V Jebro and the F/V Timur meant that to local fishers the previous three years for 2,939 lbs of fish. due to repairs needed for the community the KAFMC was able to maintain a lim- ranged from $129,306 to $130,902. The monetary benefits that the fisher- fishing boats, as well as the fish base fa- ited supply of fish and local produce for Outer Islands Fish Bought and Sold by OIFMC* The OIFMC purchased fish from men of these five atolls received totaled cility on Jaluit), the total number of trips Ebeye Island residents. Arno (26 trips), Aur (eight trips), Ma- $124,183 for the 109,918 pounds of fish made by OIFMC vessels increased from The aim for 2019 is to return the F/V Majuro 2015-2018 loelap (eight trips), Wotje (five trips), purchased. 41 in 2017 to 49 trips in 2018. Laintok to servicing atolls such as Ail- Year Lbs. Purchased Price Lbs. Sold Sales and Likiep (two trips). The OIFMC An important aspect of the work of During 2018, the OIFMC worked on inglaplap and Namu to increase the vol- 2015 109,874 $129,306 81,914 $157,924 purchases provide an important income OIFMC is to enforce quality and size improvements to promote efficiency in ume of fish available on Ebeye, while 2016 102,992 $130,349 68,088 $140,130 stream for fishers on remote outer is- limits on the fish that are brought in fish collection and distribution activities expanding an income generating op- 2017 139,866 $130,902 78,138 $166,904 lands where the main source of income from the outer islands. This policy con- during trips to the outer islands, trans- portunity for local fishers on these atolls 2018 109,918 $124,183 70,401 $159,959 is copra, with smaller amounts of rev- tinued in 2018 with the aim of discour- portation to the market, sorting and re- nearby Kwajalein. Consistent fuel avail- enue generated by handicraft sales. aging fishers from catching under-sized weighing, value adding of the products, *Outer Islands Fish Market Center, Majuro. ability and the significantly higher price Arno fishers received $63,563 for fish. facility security and safety, and account- per gallon charged on Ebeye compared to 55,873 pounds of fish; Aur fishers re- With fuel costs remaining high, ing procedures and sales to customers. Majuro remain challenges to be solved.

12 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 COASTAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 13 COASTAL COASTAL Japan links an essential element omestic fisheries and aquaculture development is supported by a D variety of infrastructure managed by MIMRA’s Coastal Division. Ongoing, regular maintenance is a crucial part of Japanese experts work with MIMRA mechanics to overhaul engines A community meeting on , Maloelap to advance the Reimaanlok Process. the Coastal Division work in support of for the outer islands vessel Jebro. outer islands and coastal program man- agement and support. The partnership between MIMRA and OFCF PARTNERSHIP Coastal Division works Japan’s Overseas Fisheries Cooperation Foundation (OFCF) continued to be an ant clam hatchery. The Coastal Division Arno Fish Bases essential element of fisheries manage- is also working with OFCF on the main- ment in the Marshall Islands in 2018. tenance and repair of community fishing Maintenance on Arno Island fish base OFCF first began a Fisheries Develop- boat outboard engines, which are part of and Ine Island sub-Fish base, including with six outer islands ment Assistance for Pacific Island - Na the Coastal Division’s Community Fish- building repairs and ice machine main- he Reimaanlok (Looking to the tions (FDAPIN) program in 1992. It has ing Boats program. OFCF also provides tenance. Future) Team undertook key REIMAANLOK PROCESS continued annually to provide much- advice and support for management of Ice Machines T actions related to engaging outer needed support for MIMRA’s Coastal MIMRA fish bases. island community in 2018. This work Division. In addition, the Coastal Division per- Maintenance and repairs at the included socio-economic surveys, com- Development of the Management Plan, In 2018, during the annual OFCF Ja- formed numerous other maintenance OIFMC ice machines and other equip- munity consultations, establishing Lo- which is Step 5 of the Reimaanlok Pro- pan/Pacific Island Nations Fisheries- Di work in support of local fishing activities, ment. cal Resources Communities (LRCs) ‘Maloelap con- cess. Prior to Step 5, however, Wotje and rectors Meeting on Fisheries Coopera- including: Hatchery Maintenance and performing aerial mapping. The firmed its LRC Utrok needed to finalize the membership tion, OFCF receives requests from each Reimaanlok Team comprised MIM- members in 2018 on their LRCs. Maloelap confirmed its Transport Vessels country for FDAPIN projects. MIMRA Maintenance on ’s Loto RA Coastal staff and representatives ... while draft man- LRC members in 2018 and was ready Giant Clam Hatchery’s raceway tank. submitted a series of requests for assis- Yearly dry-dock and maintenance of partner organizations active in the agement plans for to move on to the next step of the Rei- service and repairs of all MIMRA fish Maintenance and repairs on Woja, Ma- tance with coastal fisheries infrastructure. Coastal Management Advisory Council Wotje, Utrok and maanlok Process. Draft management After conducting field surveys and con- transport vessels (Jolok, Timur, Jebro, juro Hatchery building and construction (CMAC). This partnership brings to- plans for Wotje, Utrok and Maloelap are sultations, the scope of the projects are Lentanir and Laintok). of new tanks. gether a wide-range of expertise for the Maloelap are ex- expected toward the end of 2019. pected toward the developed and are followed by a drafting Community Boats Arno Hatchery benefit of local communities. The LRC is nearing com- and signing of an agreement and imple- With MIMRA’s new eBee drone, end of 2019.’ pletion of its resource management plan. mentation plan. Repairs to two community boats on Maintenance and repairs on Arno At- Utrok and Maloelap were the first two During 2018, the Ebon LRC agreed to OFCF provided a range of essential the outer islands. oll’s Giant Clam Hatchery. atolls to undergo aerial mapping. The and selected zones for marine conser- support for the Coastal Division. This Wotje Fish Base Vehicle Maintenance drone mapping acquired high resolution slated for aerial mapping in 2019. So- vation areas during the Reimaanlok included: Maintenance and repair of data for resource mapping for these two cioeconomic data collected from these Team’s visit in 2018. With the draft MIMRA transport vessels, ice plants that Maintenance and repairs on the Wotje In addition, Coastal Division mechan- atolls that will be used in developing three atolls in 2018 was analyzed by management plan in place, the Reimaan- support local commercial fishing, MIM- Fish Base ice machine repairs and out- ics provide vehicle maintenance and re- resource management plans by the lo- MIMRA staff. The Reimaanlok Team lok Team was scheduled to visit the atoll RA’s crane truck, and the gi- board engine. pairs for MIMRA’s eight vehicles. cal communities. Wotje is the next atoll will return to these the communities for during the first half of 2019 to present

14 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 COASTAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 15 COASTAL COASTAL CMAC focuses on Reimaanlok’s next phase Workshop an eight-step process

A three-day workshop in October brought the Coastal Management Advisory Council (CMAC) together for a review of the eight steps in the Reimaanlok (Looking to the Future) process for conservation management by lo- cal governments and communities. The Reimaanlok work- shop focused on what has worked well through the ongo- Community consultations on the outer islands, such as this one on , are an essential ing process started in 2007, existing gaps and obstacles, part of the Reimaanlok Process. and recommendations for improvement. CMAC members shared roles as co-facilitators based on mandates and pro- jects. The workshop was divided into three main compo- nents including marine, terrestrial, and socio-economics, Lae, Ujae make draft plans where detailed updates on protocols and activities under the final draft management plan to the LRC Step 4 (Data Collection and Management) were assessed. and obtain feedback from the local community REIMAANLOK PROCESS The Reimaanlok National Conservation Area Plan CMAC representatives joined in a productive before completion of the plan. Another impor- was developed in 2007. The aim is to fulfill the Micro- workshop in October 2018 to advance the tant task will be translating the draft manage- nesia Challenge by effectively conserving 30 percent Reimaanlok Process. ment plan into . A local government ordinance in support of Ebon’s resource management plan and establishing protected areas to be designated by the LRC is anticipated prior to the sign-off ceremony in the future. Reimaanlok activities for Lae and Ujae at- olls in February 2018 included a site visit by MIMRA and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). MIMRA’s Coastal team was able to facilitate the development of the first drafts of resource management plans for both atolls. This was done using data that was collected in 2016 by MIMRA’s team. The data collected included both marine and socioeco- nomic information. By the end of the sessions, the communities were able to develop a draft with proposed marine protected areas with the help of MIMRA facilitators. The next step will involve the Coastal team going back to the at- olls to finalize the management plans for sign- Reimaanlok teams visited isolated outer islands in 2018, includ- off by their respective leaders. ing Ebon Atoll (pictured). The three-day workshop included a review of the eight steps in the Reimaanlok process. 16 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 COASTAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 17 COASTAL COASTAL REIMAANLOK PROCESS Actively strengthening RMI Implementing the biosecurity measures hile activities are underway to improve and expand aquaculture Ocean Policy Wprograms across the Marshall Is- lands, MIMRA undertook initiatives in 2018 MIMRA along with to ensure preventive measures are in place CMAC partners devel- to reduce risks associated with aquaculture oped an Implementation activities and movement of aquatic animals Plan in response to RMI’s into and within the country. In one effort to Ocean Policy. The Ocean accomplish this in 2018, MIMRA requested Policy resulted from the the Pacific Community (SPC) to conduct a National Ocean Sympo- training followed by a National Stakeholder sium convened in 2017. Consultation on Aquatic Biosecurity. The The Implementation Plan training, consisting of MIMRA’s coastal staff Ruth Garcia Go- sets out a series of actions and Ministry of Natural Resources and Com- mez, Aquatic Bios- under the four themes merce Quarantine Division staff, focused on: ecurity Specialist Next step an from SPC (above), from the Symposium • Improving MIMRA’s capacity on aquatic (Sustainable Fisheries, animal health and management through diag- leads workshop Climate Change, Ma- nosis, prevention, control, treatment, surveil- session; MIMRA staff updated draft rine Pollution, and Coral lance and reporting. AQUACULTURE Alicia Edwards and Reefs and Marine Pro- • Improving MIMRA and Quarantine Di- Lyla Lemari work on of near-shore marine resources and 20 percent tected Areas) and iden- vision capacities on aquatic biosecurity strat- a sample during the of terrestrial resources by 2020. To meet this tifies lead agencies and egies and standards, including import/export workshop. goal, CMAC members work together to con- relevant partners respon- standards, quarantine, border-control, im- duct resource assessment surveys, implement sible for implementing The cover of the National Ocean port risk analysis, and environmental impact conservation projects, and advise communi- action. The Implementa- Policy document. assessments. ties in the establishment of protected areas. tion Plan is expected to • Developing and standardizing a protocol Challenge regional leads for the be built into relevant agency and department work plans, which is es- for introduction and translocation of marine three topic areas (Dr. Peter Houk, Dr. Supin sential for turning all of the Guiding Principles in the Ocean Policy into organisms within the Marshall Islands. Wongbusarakum, and Roseo Marquez) were in- reality. The National Ocean Policy and Implementation Plan not only The Aquatic Biosecurity Training was fol- vited to either join or collaborate on a presenta- focus attention on priorities and key areas of concern at the local level, lowed by a National Stakeholder Consulta- tion with Marshall Islands representatives for the but also link to regional and international targets such as the Sustainable tion. The one-day consultation, consisting respective group sessions in terms of progress, Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the global 2030 Agenda. This in- of staff from NRC Quarantine, College of key highlights/issues, and recommendations. lcudes SDG 14 “Life Below Water,” SDG 16 “Climate Action,” SDG 2 the Marshall Islands Land Grant program, Roseo provided a presentation on terrestrial and “Zero Hunger,” and SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-Being.” MIMRA and representatives of the local socio-economic monitoring with regards to the aquaculture industry was held to assess the Micronesia Challenge in the region; the other status of aquatic biosecurity and aquatic two experts joined the discussions via Skype. The animal health management, assess the coun- workshop also helped clear up issues regarding CMAC elections try’s aquaculture sectors, and identify gaps roles of each CMAC member, especially when The Marshall Islands Environmental Protection Authority was nomi- to consider for further action. Stakeholders facilitating Reimaanlok with local communities. nated by Marshall Islands Conservation Society (MICS) to continue as agreed that specific guidelines for introduc- While CMAC will focus on the Reimaanlok CMAC Chair. MICS was nominated by MIMRA as Vice-Chair. Both tion and translocation of marine organisms Steps, the International Union for the Conservation accepted the nominations, which became official with approval by con- were needed. of Nature (IUCN) was tasked to assist with the over- sensus from members present during a CMAC monthly meeting. The To follow up this recommendation, SPC all Reimaanlok Plan. The results from the eight-step CMAC terms of reference provide that the Chair and Vice-Chair repre- is assisting MIMRA in developing aquatic review are to be incorporated into an updated draft senting two different organizations have two-year terms while the Secre- biosecurity guidelines for review and con- in the next CMAC Reimaanlok Review Workshop. tariat is permanently based at MIMRA. sideration at the national level.

18 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 COASTAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 19 COASTAL COASTAL Giant clam Increase in exports of giant training and clams thanks to Likiep, Arno GIANT CLAM PRODUCTION IN development THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS: AQUACULTURE Top 10 Marine Ornamental Exports A CONDENSED GUIDELINE Giant clam farming has proven to be successful in the Mar- FY2017 FY2018 shall Islands mainly due to its low-tech and low-maintenance The Marshall Islands has two registered Flame angel (C. loricula) 50119 43125 companies that export marine ornamental requirements. MIMRA, with SPC financial and technical as- Blue eye hermit crab (Paguristes Sp.) 19982 18662 fish, cultured giant clams, and cultured coral. sistance, conducted training on semi-intensive techniques for Blue leg hermit crab (C. elegans) 19035 17450 The number of exported giant clams and giant clam farming for interested private businesses and local Bumble bee (Pusiostoma sp.) 12400 15280 corals for ornamental aquarium trade in- governments. Multicolor angel (C. multicolor) 1954 7825 Cletus Oengpepa creased significantly in 2018 compared to MIMRA-supported giant clam farms on Likiep and Arno at- Elongated giant clam (T.maxima) 1491 5862 Fisheries and Aquaculture Consultant the previous year. Three of the five species olls also expanded operations during 2018 after renovation and Helfrich goby (N. helfrichi) 972 8410 of giant clams that exist in the Marshall Is- maintenance improved the facilities. Bartlett’s anthias (P. bartlettorum) 947 7431 lands are currently being cultured and ex- Long polyp leather soft coral A guideline for giant clam farming techniques was devel- ported. These include Tridacna maxima, T. oped for the Marshall Islands and is now available for inter- (Sarcophyton sp.) 642 924 derasa and T. squamosa. The T. maxima were Majuro Zooanthids (Zoanthus sp.) 222 945 ested local farmers. It is a 28-page manual for giant clam farm- the highest export clam in 2018, increasing ing. The new manual is titled: Giant Clam Production in the from under 2,000 in 2017 to over 5,000 in Republic of the Marshall Islands: A Condensed Guideline. The 2018. Exports of the other two species of Guideline will be published in 2019 by the Pacific Community giant clams also increased in 2018 over the (SPC) in collaboration with MIMRA, New Zealand Foreign FAME previous year. The increased number of giant Ornamental export of cultured coral Affairs and Trade Aid Program, and the United Nations Fish- Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems Division clam exports in 2018 can be attributed to the eries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division. growing number of local farmers on Likiep and Arno atolls, where the majority of ex- ported clams are being cultivated. MIMRA AQUACULTURE supports hatcheries at both locations that as- New tanks sist local farmers on the two atolls. A total of 18 species of coral are being cultured for export from soft and hard coral fragments. The Long polyp sarcophyton and Arno, Likiep for Likiep the Majuro Zooanthids were the most popu- lar cultured corals for export in 2017-2018. At Likiep Atoll, despite countless efforts to Companies in Majuro both export corals patch up leaking raceway tanks and improve and giant clams cultured in the Marshall Is- hatcheries artificial spawning, giant clam larvae and ju- lands as well as re-exporting giant clams that Ornamental export of cultured Tridacna venile mortality remained high resulting in are cultured in neighboring Kiribati and the Since the installation of new pumps at the numerous unsuccessful distributions in 2017 Federated States of Micronesia. Re-exporta- Arno Atoll hatchery in 2015, the Arno giant and 2018. Plans are being developed to de- tion of giant clams and corals is a result of clam farmer’s group was re-established from molish existing raceway tanks and construct products being imported from the FSM and various communities in the atoll. Giant clams new ones. Meanwhile, several local farmers Kiribati by the two registered exporters in were distributed clams to local farmers. Since with privately-owned raceway tanks distrib- Majuro for re-export to international mar- then, over 50 farmers from Arno Island and oth- ute clams seed to their fellow farmers in the kets. er communities have been active. Two rounds atoll from their own batches. Despite ongoing The demand for cultured giant clams and of clam seed distribution were carried out in issues with getting the Likiep Loto Hatchery coral for the ornamental aquarium trade is late 2017. This led to local farmers selling over in full operation, Likiep giant clam farmers increasing so we can anticipate expanding $9,000 worth of juvenile giant clams to the two account for many of the clams sold to the Ma- numbers of exported cultured giant clams Majuro-based export companies in 2018. juro companies for export internationally. and corals in the future.

20 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 COASTAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 21 COASTAL COASTAL

MIMRA Coastal Division staff Armer Ishoda and Lyla Lemari (above), and Jessie Capelle (opposite page) dis- sect samples from fish and giant clams from to check for ciguatera toxins. Ailinglaplap ciguatera issue checked by lab A ciguatera fish poisoning problem A MIMRA Coastal Division team was more than 120 pounds of fish from the rak), Lehtrinus olivaceus (Jalia), Lethri- The Ailinglaplap community reported has continued to affect Ailinglaplap At- CIGUATERA dispatched to Ailinglaplap Atoll in April islands of Woja, Kattiej, Unitor and En- nus rubrioperculatus (Drijin), Epinephe- that all of these species contain cigua- oll in recent years. 2018 to collect fish and giant clam sam- nak and a few samples of giant clam, lus cyanopodus(Pooklum), Epinephelus toxins. The samples were then brought MIMRA first became involved in re- ples known to contain ciguatoxins for Tridacna maxima, from Mejel Island. maculatus (Lojebjeb), Epinephelus to Majuro for pre-treatment prior to sponding to the problem in 2016 at local The first visit to Ailinglaplap by laboratory analysis. The team managed to collect 12 fish polyphekadion (Kuro), Lutjanus bohar sending to an overseas laboratory for government request. While conducting Coastal staff in 2016 was to collect The team successfully completed two species that are known to contain cigua- (Paan), Lutjanus gibbus (Jato), Psuedo- further analysis. MIMRA aims to revisit ciguatera surveys in Ailinglaplap, MIM- benthic macro algae samples using the days of fieldwork, collecting samples of toxins. balistes flavimarginatus (Liele), Cren- these sites after the analysis by overseas RA staff has held consultations with the artificial substrates method to test for both fish and clams. These included: Aprion virescens imugil crenilabis (iool) and Hipposcarus laboratories to have consistency of sam- local communities on different islands. ciguatera-causing toxins. The team succeeded in collecting (Laum), Lethrinus erythracanthus (Be- longiceps (ek mouj). ple collection.

22 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 COASTAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 23 COASTAL COASTAL

FAD PROGRAM

Both pages: Coastal Division staff worked with Kwajalein Atoll Local Government and Lib Island Local Government of- ficials to build and deploy two FADs in Kwajalein Atoll and one near Lib Island in 2018.

Three fabulous FADs at Lib & Kwajalein he Kwajalein Atoll Local Gov- Both local governments committed to Center Jebro boat crew were dispatched decided to combine fishermen from Eb- amount of required ropes to construct proposed site for the Lib Island FAD ernment (KALGov) and Lib Is- providing support for the work. in August 2018 to conduct an Aquacul- eye, Guegeegue, North and South Looj, the FADs. With the assistance of some was decided and agreed on by the com- Tland Local Government formally Since Kwajalein Atoll has the biggest ture Habitat Assessment and to deploy and Enebouj in one session during the local fishermen who committed their munity. After the consultation, the team requested MIMRA technical assistance lagoon in the Marshall Islands, the team FADs in Kwajalein Atoll (Zone One) community consultations. A separate time to assist the team with the rigging carried out a site survey, measuring the in implementing MIMRA’s Fish Aggre- decided to divide the atoll into zones. and Lib Island. Presentations on MIM- visit was carried out just for the Carlson of the FADs, the team was able to build depth of the site that was proposed by gating Device (FAD) and aquaculture A total of three zones were identified RA’s FAD program were made by the Island community. two FADs and load them with their an- the community. After the site survey, the projects. An initial consultation process based on the community populations on team to inform the communities about Over the course of two weeks, the chors on the Jebro boat over a three-day team rigged and deployed the FAD. between MIMRA and the two local gov- islands around the atoll. The target zone the project and activities that were to be team along with local fishermen suc- period, and deployed them on the fourth All meetings and community con- ernments took place in November 2017 for this trip was Zone One, which en- conducted throughout the week includ- cessfully deployed two FADs around day. sultations followed through for both to discuss logistics and required equip- compassed the islands of Enebouj, Car- ing the Aquaculture Habitat Assessment Kwajalein Atoll (Zone One) and one at One day was set aside to travel by KALGov and Lib Local communities. ment and materials. The MIMRA team los, Ebeye, North Looj, South Looj and and related interview assessments. Pro- Lib Island. boat from Ebeye to Lib Island to con- All three FADs have been successfully met with KALGov and Lib Island Lo- all the small islands on the eastern reef posed sites for FADs were presented to Prior to rigging FADs, the team con- duct a consultation prior to deploying deployed at the proposed sites. Commu- cal Government representatives to plan to Guegeegue. the community to get feedback and rec- ducted a site survey of the proposed ar- the FAD. A presentation on MIMRA’s nities committed themselves in support- how (transportation), where (sites) and A team of four MIMRA staff along ommendations for potential sites. Due eas around Zone One. GPS and depths FAD program was similarly carried out ing MIMRA with monitoring the FADs when the activities would commence. with three Outer Islands Fish Market to insufficient fuel on Ebeye, the team were recorded to be able to measure the by the team with the community. The and sharing data in the future.

24 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 COASTAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 25 OCEANIC OCEANIC OCEANIC MIMRA key in regional efforts ety of regional efforts in 2018. These included: • MIMRA Director Glen Joseph chaired the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission’s Intersessional Working Group on the organization’s MIMRA Director Glen Joseph, center, at the WCPFC TCC meeting in Majuro. PNA leaders sign the communique at the end of the Second Leaders’ Summit of the PNA. Compliance Monitoring Scheme. An President’s push for action was quickly important aim of the CMS IWG was to endorsed by FFA Director General Dr. present recommendations to the WCP- ‘MIMRA continued Manu Tupou-Roosen, who said the FFA FC annual meeting for a new process would align its work programs to meet Management of fisheries to develop and implement a response to to join with other the IUU goal. the fishing vessel non-compliance pro- PNA members to • In 2015, five of the nine PNA mem- cedure of the Commission. add value to the bers agreed to extend VDS management much improved in 2018 • The Marshall Islands hosted the Sec- VDS by “pooling” to the longline industry. While this initi- ond Leaders Summit of the PNA and the fishing days for sale ated the process, it was not as effective he Marshall Islands-initiated fishery, ongoing improvements in man- WCPFC’s annual Technical and Com- without all PNA islands participating. In call for an end to illegal, unre- agement through improved monitoring, pliance Committee meeting. Both meet- to purse seine ves- 2018, the remaining PNA Parties agreed ported and unregulated (IUU) ‘The most control and surveillance, stable purse ings were of significance to advancing sels ... these sold for to join the VDS plan for longline ves- T the interests of sustainable use of tuna fishing by 2023; Parties to the Nauru important indica- seine tuna catches reflecting sustainable well in excess of the sels, increasing the momentum for fully Agreement (PNA) full support for ex- tor of success ... management of in-zone fishing, work fisheries. establishing the VDS, which has proved • At the conclusion of the PNA Lead- PNA benchmark of tending the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) is the fact that in to develop “target reference points” successful in managing the purse seine to longline vessels; the expanding use and “harvest strategies” for the differ- ers Summit, Leaders signed the Delap $8,000 per day.’ industry. of electronic monitoring on fishing ves- 2018 the four tuna ent tuna species, and the production of Commitment, a document that outlines • MIMRA continued to join with sels; improvements in fisheries observer stocks — bigeye, regular stock assessments that guide the leaders’ priorities for PNA. The other PNA members to add value to operations; development of PNA’s Fish- yellowfin, alba- management decisions. leaders were in agreement with PNA’s the VDS by “pooling” fishing days for eries Information Management System; core and skipjack The most important indicator of suc- goals for sustainable management of the • At the conclusion of the WCPFC’s sale to purse seine vessels. In 2018, fishery, adding priority to pursue legal Technical and Compliance Committee and numerous initiatives at the Western — were in healthy cess of this multi-layered management these pooled fishing days sold for well Central Pacific Fisheries Commission of tuna fisheries in the Western and recognition of the defined baselines es- meeting in Majuro in September 2018, in excess of the PNA benchmark of in 2018 all had one overriding goal in condition.’ Central Pacific Ocean is the fact that in tablished under the United Nations Con- President Hilda Heine challenged the $8,000 per day. Similarly, fishing days common: Improving the management 2018 the four tuna stocks — bigeye, yel- vention on the Law of the Sea to remain region to agree to abolish IUU fishing sold to bilateral partners such as the and sustainability of tuna fisheries in the lowfin, albacore and skipjack — were in perpetuity irrespective of the impacts by 2023. President Heine’s call to ac- United States, China, Taiwan and oth- Pacific region, both in-zone and on the sources in the Marshall Islands 200-mile in healthy condition based on scientific of sea level rise. They also tasked minis- tion underlined the serious problems ers generated significantly more than high seas. exclusive economic zone and through- evaluation of the stocks. This is in con- ters to reduce marine pollution, address IUU fishing causes for the Western and the benchmark. During 2018, MIMRA Regional cooperation through PNA, out the region. trast to other oceans where many tuna high seas fishing, bring tankers into Central Pacific, including undermining also increased the price of fishing days the Forum Fisheries Agency and the This can be seen in the increasing stocks are on the decline as a result of zone for refueling, manage fish aggre- sustainable management measures and for the domestic fleet. These sales of Pacific Community (SPC) reinforced levels of fisheries revenue generated over-fishing. gating devices (FADs), and address the costing the islands hundreds of mil- fishing days showed both the power of rights-based management of tuna re- by VDS management of the purse seine MIMRA both led and joined in a vari- fishery sector’s carbon emissions. lions of dollars in revenue annually. The the VDS as a management tool and the

26 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 OCEANIC DIVISION 27 OCEANIC OCEANIC Team Revenue effort levels by local remain agencies strong opportunity it presents to add value to on the margins of the prime tuna fishing increase benefits to the Marshall Islands zones in the Western and Central Pacific. and other PNA Parties. This means fishing effort by purse sein- • 2018 saw continued development of ers in most years is modest in the Mar- the capacity of MIMRA Fisheries Ob- shall Islands EEZ compared to some of servers, expansion of Fisheries Observ- A transshipment vessel flanked by purse seiners in Majuro lagoon. A tuna net ready to be lifted onto a transshipment vessel. its PNA neighboring islands, changing ers’ use of electronic reporting, moni- ing for the purse seine industry in the licensed to fish in PNA waters has seen The VDS and mainly due to El Niño and other environ- shalls 201 averaged $652,599 a year in toring trips on both purse seiners and region. The PNA began to implement a Majuro develop since 2014 into the mental factors from time-to-time. The revenue to MIMRA. longliners, and involvement in monitor- VDS for the longline industry as well. world’s highest-tonnage tuna transship- zone-based nearly five-fold increase in revenue to Sales of fishing days under the VDS to ing tuna transshipment in port and elec- With all members coming on board in ment port. The number of transship- MIMRA from the VDS and fishing rights purse seine vessels that are not Marshall tronic monitoring of longline vessels. management 2018, it is expected that the pace of im- ments has declined from 2016 when the from 2012 to 2018 demonstrates the Islands-flagged or based averaged over • Majuro continued to be a major tuna plementation of the VDS for longline $11,000. These included fishing days record was set with 551. Both 2017 and PNA’s Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) value of the VDS and the benefit derived transshipment port for the purse seine vessels will increase from 2019 onward that were pooled with other PNA mem- 2018 saw over 400 transshipments at continued to show in 2018 it is the most from unity of the islands in the PNA. industry, with 402 transshipment and off- until fully enforced. bers to add value to the VDS and sale 424 and 402, respectively. important management tool for the purse Total operating and non-operating loading operations moving 306,796 met- For the purse seine fishery, PNA’s Although the 402 transshipments in revenue remained strong, though down of days to fishing nations on a bilateral ric tons of tuna from purse seiners to carri- seine fishery. Since its full implementa- VDS limits fishing effort to about slightly from 2017 as a result of lower basis. 2018 was the lowest since 2014, the 402 er vessels or to the Pan Pacific Foods tuna tion began in 2010, the VDS has led to 45,000 days per year together with the return from the joint venture purse Sales of fishing days to Marshall Is- transshipments set a Majuro transship- loining plant in Majuro in 2018. MIMRA unprecedented revenue generation for benchmark minimum price of $8,000. seine vessel operation with Koo’s Fish- lands-flagged or based purse seine ves- ment record for average metric tons per Fisheries Observers and Enforcement Of- the nine PNA Parties and participating Each of the nine participating PNA is- ing Company and other non-operating sels generated over $6,600 each in 2018, transshipment at 762mt. This compares ficers provided monitoring of nearly 100 islands. The Parties include Marshall lands are given an allotment of fishing revenues below 2017. Total revenues a 10 percent increase from the previous to the previous record average of 733mt percent of tuna transshipments and off- Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, days. Limiting fishing effort raises the for 2018 amounted to $34,871,329 year. tons set in 2016. The 402 transshipments loadings. The 402 transshipments also es- Palau, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Solo- value of fishing days while maintaining compared to $36,104,641 the previous The transfer of fishing revenue to the resulted in 306,796mt of tuna moving tablished the record for average tonnage mon Islands, and Papua New Guinea fishing at sustainable levels. The impact year. By comparison, revenue gener- national government budget set an all- through Majuro. Of special note in 2018 per transshipment at 762mt. with Tokelau as a participating member. of VDS limits has been demonstrated in ated in 2012 amounted to $10,506,958. time record in 2017 at $40.1 million. is that the private sector firm Pacific In- • MIMRA engaged with the Marshall The amount of revenue accruing to the stable in-zone purse seine vessel catch The commercial tuna fishery accounts The 2017 transfer included fishing rev- ternational Inc., which has developed a Islands Ports Authority, Marshall Islands PNA through the VDS increased from levels over recent years compared to un- for nearly all of this revenue. In addi- enue generated in 2017 and an accu- net repair yard and related dock facili- Police Department’s Sea Patrol, Majuro $60 million in 2010 to an estimated controlled high seas fishing. tion to the VDS and fishing rights, other mulation from previous years. In 2018, ties to support the purse seine industry, Atoll Local Government Police, Mar- $500 million in 2018. MIMRA has seen In addition, the VDS system includes revenue is generated from the fishery the amount dropped $29.4 million — a handled its first off-loading of tuna from shall Islands Environmental Protection the revenue generated by the VDS and monitoring and verification require- through fishing licenses, transshipment figure higher but comparable to 2016’s a purse seine vessel for transshipment in Authority and others in monitoring and fishing rights increase from $5,936,978 ments that improve overall management fees, fishing violation fines and observer total transfer of $26.3 million. freezer containers. This shore side ser- enforcing laws and regulations governing in 2012 to the record set in 2018 of of the fishery: 100 percent coverage of fines. In addition, the Marshall Islands vice is expected to expand in 2019. tuna transshipment activities. MIMRA $29,144,696. purse seine vessels by Fisheries Observ- Fishing Company, a joint venture with The majority of the tonnage trans- also collaborated on monitoring, control The VDS is not simply a mechanism ers, in-port transshipment, an annual Tuna transshipments Koo’s Fishing Company for operation of shipped through Majuro in 2018 was and surveillance work with the FFA and to generate revenue from the fishing in- moratorium on use of fish aggregating Marshalls 201 purse seine vessel injects and exports skipjack tuna, which accounted for regional partners including the United dustry. Through the VDS, the Marshall devices (FADs), and other conservation revenue annually. Despite a downturn in 271,373mt. In addition, 30,681mt of yel- States, Australia, New Zealand and Ja- Islands together with the rest of the PNA and management measures. revenue in 2018 from the JV vessel, for The PNA requirement of in-port lowfin tuna and 4,742mt of bigeye tuna pan. implements a system of sustainable fish- The EEZ of the Marshall Islands is the five-year period 2014-2018, the Mar- transshipment for purse seine vessels rounded out the transshipment total.

28 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 OCEANIC DIVISION 29 OCEANIC OCEANIC

Total Catch Purse Seine Fleets* in the Marshall Islands EEZ 2012-2018 Taiwan moves PII net Year SKJ YFT BET OTH Total 2012 22,977 835 416 14 24,242 2013 40,113 1,514 538 6 42,171 most tonnage yard 2014 66,196 3,477 668 18 70,359 2015 21,293 4,295 126 0 26,344 2016 72,329 5,790 648 0 78,767 2017 22,765 2,901 788 65 26,519 in Marshalls grows 2018 26,424 2,168 253 58 28,903 A total of 52 of the 82 transshipments Figures are metric tons. * Marshall Islands, Taiwan, S. Korea, by Marshall Islands-flagged purse seine PNG, Us, FSM, Kiribati, Japan, China, Solomon Islands, Philip- vessels were carried out in Majuro. Mar- services pines (listed in order of catch tonnage). Key: BET=Bigeye shall Islands-flagged purse seine vessels Tuna, SKJ=Skipjack Tuna, YFT=Yellowfin Tuna, OTH=Other. transshipped 64,414mt of tuna in Majuro sels anchor in Majuro for weeks at a time and three other ports in the Western and waiting for purse seiners to transship their Central Pacific in 2018. catches. Crewmembers regularly buy from For transshipments in Majuro, Taiwan- local retail and wholesale stores, and use Total Catch Longline Fleets* in flagged vessels accounted for 35 percent restaurants, bars and hotels. The vessels Two purse seiners at PII’s busy net yard in Majuro. of the 402 transshipments with 139. These the Marshall Islands EEZ 2012-2018 also often re-provision and refuel in Ma- transshipments handled 102,201mt of juro, further benefiting the local economy. decline from 4,067mt landed in 2017. A total of 231 longline, pole-and-line, Year ALB BET YFT OTH Total tuna, almost exactly one-third of the to- In addition to its first container-based The breakdown of the MIFV longline and purse seine fishing vessels were li- 2012 254 4,027 1,372 737 6,390 tal tonnage transshipped in 2018. Taiwan transshipment handled in 2018, Pacific catch in 2018 shows most of the total censed to fish in 2018, a decrease from caught was bigeye tuna, 1,570mt, and yel- 2013 237 2,972 2,014 738 5,961 has been the biggest transshipment user of International Inc.’s net yard saw contin- the 257 licensed in 2017. The Marshall Majuro 2016-2018. US-flagged and Mar- lowfin tuna, 949mt. Blue marlin, albacore, 2014 172 4,680 2,346 680 7,878 ued growth in 2018. PII provided service Islands sees year-to-year fluctuations shall Islands-flagged vessels conducted wahoo, escolar, mahimahi, oil fish, opah, 2015 122 2,286 1,380 359 4,147 to 18 purse seiners in 2018, up from 15 in vessels licensed largely related to the next largest number of transshipments, pomfret, short-billed spearfish, skipjack, 2016 67 1,522 1,127 420 3,136 in 2017. The availability of net repair and location of tuna throughout the PNA at 52 each. US purse seiners transshipped related services for purse seine vessels at and swordfish account for the balance. region. Several fleets showed reduc- 2017 71 1,698 1,389 445 3,604 40,466mt of tuna, while Marshall Islands Three Marshall Islands-flagged and two 2018 52 2,210 1,262 316 3,838 the PII dock facility in Majuro allows ves- tions in numbers in 2018. The number fishing vessels accounted for 38,315mt of chartered purse seiners operated by Pan of FSM Arrangement purse seine ves- Figures are metric tons. * Marshall Islands chartered, FSM, China sels to carry out repairs close to the fishing tuna. The top five was rounded out by Chi- grounds, saving them long trips to Asian Pacific Fishing supplied some of their tuna sels (fishing vessels that are domesti- and Japan (in order of catch tonnage). Key: ALB=Albacore, na, 46 transshipments for 39,285mt, and catch to the Pan Pacific Foods tuna loining BET=Bigeye Tuna, YFT=Yellowfin Tuna, OTH=Other. or other ports for repairs. cally licensed in PNA member countries Papua New Guinea, 44 transshipments for In addition to monitoring purse seine plant in Majuro for processing, with the and receive discounted access) dropped 32,337mt. Other purse seine vessels that vessel transshipments, MIMRA Fisher- majority of their catch being transshipped. from 76 to 49 in 2018. The US and Ja- used Majuro to transship in 2018 included ies Observers and Enforcement Officers During 2018, PPF processed 7,065mt of pan purse seine fleets, 31 and 25 ves- the Federated States of Micronesia, Solo- monitored almost all off-loading of tuna tuna for export, nearly triple the 2,398mt sels, respectively, remained stable with Total Catch Pole-and-Line Fleets* in mon Islands, Philippines, Kiribati, S. Ko- by the locally-based longline vessels as- tons processed for export in 2017. The no change in their number of vessels rea, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and New Zealand. sociated with the Marshall Islands Fishing 7,065mt tons include 804mt of processed licensed from 2017-2018. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands EEZ 2012-2018 Tuna transshipments in 2018 pro- Venture, a Majuro-based company. MIFV skipjack loins, 6,160mt of whole skipjack S. Korea remained major players in and yellowfin, and 101mt of fishmeal. The Year BET SKJ YFT Total duced $475,500 in revenue compared is a subsidiary of Luen Thai. purse seining, with 23 and 24 licensed, to $596,000 the previous year. MIMRA processed tuna was exported to Vietnam, 2012 3 3,578 15 3,596 The MIFV longline fleet off-loaded respectively, both showing small de- monitored almost 100 percent of the in- Thailand, China and Taiwan, with the 2013 3 1,719 4 1,726 2,822mt of tuna in Majuro, most of it creases from the previous year. port transshipments during the year with fishmeal all going to Taiwan. Two fleets, however, were new en- 2014 3 3,317 21 3,341 bound for export markets. A total of Fisheries Observers or Fisheries Enforce- trants to licensing in the Marshall Is- 2015 0 615 2 617 2,424mt was exported to markets in the ment Officers. Tuna caught lands: The Philippines, with 13 purse 2016 0 429 1 430 US, China and Canada. Frozen fish — re- In addition to the revenue generated jects and bycatch — is designated as “Lo- in RMI EEZ seine vessels registered to fish, and Kiri- 2017 0 72 0 72 from transshipment fees paid to MIMRA, bati, with five purse seiners. Both Kiri- 2018 0 1,017 1 1,018 cal,” and is shipped to Asia via containers there is significant spinoff benefit to the and/or sold locally. The number of foreign fishing vessels bati and S. Korea fleets operated under Figures are metric tons. * Pole-and-line fleet is exclusively Japan. Marshall Islands economy from these licensed to fish in the EEZ of the Mar- the PNA sub-regional pooling, not bilat- Key: BET=Bigeye Tuna, SKJ=Skipjack Tuna, YFT=Yellowfin Tuna The local portion of the tonnage purse seine vessels and carrier vessels amounted to 398mt in 2018. The 2,822mt shall Islands declined after two years of eral arrangements. making use of Majuro. Many carrier ves- of tuna off-loaded by MIFV vessels was a increases. Overall, the number of purse seine

30 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 OCEANIC DIVISION 31 OCEANIC OCEANIC Efficient gathering of data Fisheries data The number of trips observed through Several of these purse seine trips in- EM decreased in 2018 compared to 2017 cluded the continuation of trials for ob- collection, electronic due to scheduled maintenance of vessels server data E-reporting utilizing rugged using EM cameras. It is envisaged that tablets. In 2018, SPC introduced TAILS, monitoring, and the trainings of Fisheries Observers in an electronic port-sampling app that was databases EM will encourage Fisheries Observers trialed to improve data flow and elimi- to adapt by using new tools and technol- nate the use of paper sampling forms. (SPC/PNA FIMS) ogy in gathering data more efficiently The TAILS app has since been replaced and in a timely manner. by the OnShore app, which is more suit- The capacity of MIMRA Fisheries Data management and handling ca- ed for longline port sampling activities. Observers and Debriefers continued to pacity continues to be a vital tool for MIMRA began to shift its focus to- improve through trainings and the use MIMRA’s management of fishing within ward the Parties to the Nauru Agree- of new technology. MIMRA Fisheries its EEZ. The Pacific Community’s Oce- ment (PNA) Office Fisheries Informa- Observers, Debriefers and Fisheries anic Fisheries Program (SPC-OFP) has tion Management System (FIMS) as the Officers are the front line in fisheries been instrumental in supporting expan- standard by which it will manage and data collection at sea and in port that sion and improvement of data collection handle its data complemented by exist- is essential to management of the purse A healthy haul of tuna is off-loaded from a longline vessel in Majuro. efforts. MIMRA continues to employ a ing databases such as the TUFMAN II seine and longline fisheries. Fisher- dedicated port sampler covering almost currently in use. ies Observers went on 145 purse seine 100 percent of longline tuna unloading Further development of E-reporting trips and 34 longline trips. In addition, at the Marshall Islands Fishing Venture (ER) and EM initiatives continue to be Breakdown by fishing styles in 2018, six domestically-based longline fish base in Majuro. The port sampler a priority for MIMRA. In addition to vessels were equipped with electronic along with other MIMRA staff collate going on a total of 179 purse seine and vessels showed the biggest decrease in 2018 compared to the previous year, in 2017. In 2018, 11 licenses vessels monitoring (EM) cameras, the same the data and enter it into the TUFMAN longline trips combined, Fisheries Ob- from 192 licensed in 2017 to 179 in 28,903mt to 26,519mt, respectively. caught 1,018mt, a 14-fold increase number as the previous year. This is part II database. servers also participated in the WCPFC 2018. The number of pole-and-line ves- Both years were well below 2016, over the previous year. Skipjack on the ongoing collaboration between In 2018, MIMRA continued to mi- shark-tagging project on post-release sels, exclusively Japanese, decreased when purse seiners caught 78,767mt tuna accounted for 99 percent of the MIMRA and The Nature Conservancy grate away from paper forms for both mortality in longline fisheries. In 2018, from 16 to 11 (but the 11 produced a in Marshall Islands waters. The year- fish caught by pole-and-line vessels: (TNC) trialing and developing EM for its port-sampling operation and onboard 11 Fisheries Observers were trained for 14-fold increase in catch compared to to-year fluctuation primarily reflects 1,017mt of skipjack and one metric ton longline vessels. A total of 24 longline Fisheries Observers, the latter expanding this task and 14 silky sharks were tagged 2017). Longliners dropped from 49 in environmental conditions affecting lo- of yellowfin accounted for the 1,018mt trips were observed electronically by the use of tablets for E-reporting during on longline trips on which Fisheries Ob- 2017 to 41 in 2018. cation of skipjack tuna. Higher catches total. nine Fisheries Observers trained in EM. purse seine trips in 2018. servers participated. The majority of the tuna tonnage are generally recorded during or im- • Longline vessel catches remained caught in the EEZ of the Marshall Is- mediately following strong El Niño consistent in the 2016-2018 period, lands in 2018 was by the purse seine periods. An El Niño began building in with all three years in the 3,000mt fishery. Purse seine vessels accounted 2015, for example, and peaked in the range. Longline vessels showed a for 28,903mt or 86 percent of the to- first half of 2016. small increase in catch in 2018, with tal tuna for all gears combined of The breakdown of purse seine catch 3,838mt of tuna, compared to 3,604mt 33,759mt. by fleets shows that Marshall Islands- in 2017. Nearly two-thirds of the to- Longline vessels caught 3,838mt, flagged vessels caught the highest tal longline catch was caught by the and pole-and-line caught 1,018mt. amount of tonnage in the EEZ of the Marshall Islands-chartered longline Despite the fewer vessels licensed to Marshall Islands, totaling 6,249mt, vessels, which accounted for 2,204mt. fish in 2018 than the previous year, followed by Taiwan vessels that FSM vessels caught 1,199mt, Chinese the 33,759mt caught during the year caught 6,222mt. S. Korea (4,405mt), vessels 326mt, and Japan 109mt. by all gears was an increase over the PNG (3,954mt) and the US (2,901mt) In the purse seine fishery, most fish- 30,195mt caught in 2017. rounded out the top five purse seine ing in Marshall Islands waters happens Catch tonnage for the three types of catches. in the southern portion of the EEZ. fishing vessels operating in Marshall • Pole-and-line fishing by Japan- Longline fishing also occurs in the Islands waters in 2018: only showed a big rebound in catch southern areas of the EEZ, but is gener- • Purse seine catch in the EEZ of following three years of decline lead- ally more widely distributed through- MIMRA Fisheries Officer Melvin Silk, right, obtains data from a visiting purse seiner with the help of the Marshall Islands increased slightly ing to the all-time low of 72mt set out Marshall Islands waters. an I-Kiribati Fisheries Observer.

32 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 OCEANIC DIVISION 33 OCEANIC OCEANICOCEANIC Oceanic highlights for MIMRA in 2018 Record year and 34 longline trips during the year. An additional 24 longline fishing trips were electronically observed in While the number of tuna trans- an ongoing E-monitoring trial with shipments in Majuro at 403 was be- domestically-based vessels. low the record of 551 set in 2016, 2018 set an all-time record for aver- age metric tonnage of tuna per trans- 231 licenses shipment at 762mt. A total of 231 purse seine, longline Top nations and pole and line vessels were li- censed to fish in Marshall Islands waters in 2018. Although fewer than The top five purse seine flag the 257 licensed vessels in 2017, the states using Majuro to transship 2018 number is consistent with on- tuna in 2018 were Taiwan (139), going year-to-year fluctuations. sAs As a result of discussions in 2018, a historic Marshall Islands and the Collecting the data. in previous years, not all fisheries cooperation agreement was signed United States (52 each), Total catch by different fishing gear-types the vessels licensed actu- between MIMRA and Thailand’s Department China (46), and Papua New operating in the RMI EEZ, 2014-2018 ally fished in the Marshall of Fisheries (above) in early 2019. MIMRA Guinea (44). Tuna transhipment Majuro Port Islands during the year. Deputy Director Samuel Lanwi, Jr. (center, 2014-18 blue shirt) led a MIMRA team to the signing. VDS success Year Number Metric Tons *Average Tonnage Below, MIMRA staff engage with officials at 2014 382 158,065 414 Thailand’s Fisheries Monitoring Center. Revenue generated by the 2015 504 368,323 731 After three years of de- Parties to the Nauru Agree- 2016 551 403,809 733 cline, the tonnage of skip- ment Vessel Day Scheme 2017 424 292,754 690 jack and yellowfin caught (VDS) and fishing rights set 2018 402 306,796 763 by Japan’s pole and line another record in 2018. Au- vessels increased to dited figures for 2018 show * Average metric tonnage per transship- 1,072mt. This compares that VDS and fishing rights ment. Source: MIMRA. to 2017 when 72mt were generated $29,144,696, an caught. increase from 2017 when $28,532,685 was realized. The ern and Central Pacific Ocean. The Joint venture $$ revenue in these categories has in- total estimated catch by the na- creased every year this decade with tional purse seine fleet in 2018 was The Marshall Islands Fishing the full implementation of the VDS. Commission’s Compliance Monitor- in Majuro. PII, which opened its net lands purse seine fleet included six 71,963mt, up from the estimated Company joint venture with Koo’s 64,527mt tons caught by the same ing Scheme Intersessional Working repair service in 2017, provided ser- sea turtle interactions, with four re- Fishing Company, which operates Group. At the WCPFC annual meeting vices to 18 purse seiners in 2018, up leased alive and two with an unknown Financial reward number of purse seine vessels in the Marshalls 201 purse seiner, gen- the national fleet in 2017. Skipjack in Honolulu, MIMRA Legal Counsel from 15 in 2017. It also performed its condition upon release. In addition, a erated $148,763 in 2018. The five- Laurence Edwards, II, was elected first container-based tuna transship- total of 118 individual mammals were A total of $29,440,214 was trans- tuna accounted for 93 percent of the year 2014-2018 average annual rev- to chair the WCPFC’s Technical and ment of 50 tons of tuna at the dock involved in 21 fishing interactions: 63 ferred to the Marshall Islands na- total catch in 2018, followed by yel- enue generated by the joint venture Compliance Committee (TCC). facility. were released alive, 45 dead, and 10 tional government budget in 2018. lowfin, six percent, and bigeye, one is $652,599. percent. with an unknown condition. National fleet Edwards new chair PII transshipment Four turtles released There were nine whale shark inter- E-monitoring trial actions, with eight released alive and Eight Marshall Islands-flagged During 2018, MIMRA Direc- Pacific International Inc. continued Preliminary data in 2018 for ob- one in an unknown condition. and two chartered purse seine ves- Marshall Islands Fisheries Ob- tor Glen Joseph chaired the West- to expand services to the purse seine served interactions with species of No seabird interactions were ob- sels operated throughout the West- servers carried out 145 purse seine ern and Central Pacific Fisheries fleet at its Net Yard and dock facility special interest by the Marshall Is- served.

34 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 OCEANIC DIVISION 35 OCEANIC OCEANIC

Observers Provisional purse seine transshipments in Majuro port in 2018 Note: provide Numbers listed un- der differ- vessel ent tuna species are metric tons. and port Key: SKJ: Skipjack; coverage YFT: IMRA’s Fisheries Observ- Yellowfin; er program continued to BET: M improve in data collection, Bigeye. debriefing, and training opportunities. Despite ongoing challenges with limi- tations of supplies and equipment, Ob- servers leaving the program, and transi- MIMRA staff Tatiana Alik records data as part of a purse seine vessel’s tion from paper to electronic reporting, visit to Majuro for transshipment. MIMRA Fisheries Observers went on 179 fishing trips, both purse seine and modro Jibas. one female — participated in and com- longline, in 2018. Data submissions for In 2018, MIMRA had six certified pleted the two-week Standard of Train- both national and regional programs debriefers on staff and two debriefer ing, Certification and Watch-keeping was close to 100 percent. In addition, trainees. for Seafarers (STCW95). This empha- MIMRA Fisheries Observers were also As briefly mentioned, MIMRA Fish- sized seamanship, basic sea survival, engaged in monitoring of in-port trans- eries Observers went on 179 total trips firefighting and CPR. shipments and reviewing video data in 2018. This included 145 on purse Additional capacity building and in- collected by video cameras installed on seiners and 34 on longline vessels. The house trainings during 2018, including: locally-based longline vessels as part of 145 purse seine trips involved 28 na- purse seine and longline vessel refresh- an E-monitoring trial and ongoing col- tional (MIMRA) trips, 97 PNA trips, er course, Marine Stewardship Council Updating Number laboration between MIMRA and TNC and 20 Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) (MSC) training, and developing stand- of foreign since 2017. trips. ard operating procedures and emer- Two Fisheries Observer training pro- safety longline, The 179 trips in 2018 compares to gency action plans, the latter involved pole-and- grams during this period increased the 192 in 2017, which included 145 on funding support of the FFA. line and observer force by 18, to 61 — includ- purse seine and 34 on longline vessels. A total of 60 tablets for E-reporting equipment ing 59 men and two women. Through- MIMRA Observer Program statistics went into use by MIMRA Fisheries purse out 2018, 10 left the program so that by showed observer national data submis- Observers in 2018, including two-way but not yet developed. The aim is to seine the end of 2018, MIMRA had 51 active sion was 99 percent complete, while communication devices. Electronic develop the EAP in partnership with vessels observers. observer regional data submission was reporting trials have been an ongoing Marshall Islands Police Department/ licensed The MIMRA Observer Program 97 percent complete in 2018. process for MIMRA and continued in Sea Patrol, Marshall Islands Red Cross to fish in was managed by six staff in 2018: Ob- A variety of trainings were conduct- 2018. The major issue for 2018 was Society, the US Coast Guard, and other RMI EEZ server Program Advisor/Coordinator emergency-related entities from other ed in 2018, including a PIFRO training resolving double entry of data in work by year Bernard Fiubala, Placement Officer/ that involved nine male and one female books and transferring data to the new islands. and flag Debriefer Jacob Keju, Compliance trainee, with funding support of the Na- tablets. Needed equipment and supplies to Officer/Debriefer Makbi Bwijko, Data tional Training Council. All 10 passed A standard operating plan for Fisher- improve the safety and work environ- from 2014 Specialist Ziggy Duffy, Pacific Islands the seven-week program that covered ies Observers was drafted and was in ment for Fisheries Observers were ap- to Regional Fisheries Observer (PIFRO) 17 training units for both purse seine final review stage for MIMRA Board/ proved and were in the process of be- 2018. Trainer Trainee/Debriefer Iaokiri and longline vessels. Management approval. An emergency ing procured during 2018 through the Barai, and Longline Port Sampler Lo- Sixteen observers — 15 male and action plan was in the planning stage World Bank PROP project.

36 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 OCEANIC DIVISION 37 LEGAL

Marshalls President Hilda Heine (third from left) and Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Dennis Momotaro (far right) joined with PNA leaders at the Second PNA Leaders’ Summit held in Majuro in 2018. PNA leaders promote cooperative action he Second PNA Leaders’ Sum- major source of revenue for many PNA pollution, develop management of high mit, hosted by the Marshall Is- Parties. seas fishing, implement a prohibition lands in Majuro on March 2, PNA Leaders expressed their desire on tankers refueling fishing vessels on ENFORCEMENT: MIMRA continued ac- in fines paid to MIMRA during FY2018. T Fishing vessels were fined for various viola- 2018, endorsed a number of initia- for continued cooperation in managing the high seas by establishing in-zone tive enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations. tives that involved a significant level the PNA fishery with renewed focus on bunkering requirements, and develop MIMRA maintains a zero tolerance policy for fish- tions, including unlawfully entering into RMI of legal work among the Parties. The the VDS and sustainability of tuna fish- standards and regulations for managing ing vessels that violate fisheries provisions in nation- Ports without properly notifying MIMRA prior high-level meeting discussed PNA eries in the western and central Pacific. fish aggregating devices (FADs). The al laws. MIMRA, with the support of the Marshall to commencing transshipment operations, failure accomplishments to date and goals The meeting concluded with the signing Delap Commitment also binds Leaders Islands Police Department/Sea Patrol and the Attor- to submit reports to MIMRA within the required of PNA to maximize economic gains of the Delap Commitment, a document to meet at least every three-to-five-years ney General’s office, actively monitored commercial 24-hour period, conducting prohibited fishing in a from tuna fisheries by implementing that outlines the leaders’ priorities for and to establish PNA’s strategic plan to tuna fishing operations in RMI waters. fisheries exclusion zone, contravening conditions PNA’s Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) PNA. implement their vision for the PNA go- Two fishing vessels/companies paid fines ranging of fishing licenses, and/or fishing in the conserva- that combines conservation and man- The Delap Commitment added tasks ing forward. Drafting and development tion zone. agement measures. Revenue generat- to the Fisheries Ministers and fisheries of PNA’s new strategic plan was an on- from $50,000 to $500,000, with a total of $550,000 ed through PNA’s VDS has become a departments to work to reduce marine going process in 2018.

38 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 LEGAL AFFAIRS 39 LEGAL LEGALLEGAL

At the WCPFC’s TCC meeting in Majuro, from left: WCPFC Executive Director Feleti Teo, MIMRA Director Glen Joseph, and WCPFC Compliance Manager Lara Manarangi Trott. A plenary session of the TCC annual meeting held in Majuro in September 2018. President Hilda Heine’s Engagement with WCPFC

Marshall Islands delega- review transshipments to increase moni- new Finance and Administration Com- call for end to IUU fishing tion, led by Minister of Natu- toring and oversight, changes to the mittee Co-Chair; c) Laurence Edwards, A ral Resources and Commerce compliance monitoring scheme (CMS) II, (RMI) was appointed as TCC Chair, t the 14th Regular Session of the Technical and and MIMRA Board Chairman Den- process, and opportunities to increase and Dr. Robert Day (Canada) as TCC Compliance Committee (TCC14) of the Western and nis Momotaro, participated in the Fif- effective participation by SIDS and ter- Vice-Chair; and d) Masanori Miyaha- ACentral Pacific Fisheries Commission held in Ma- teenth Regular Session of the Western ritories in the annual meeting and the ra (Japan) was appointed as Northern juro from September 26-October 2, 2018, the organization and Central Pacific Fisheries Commis- various committees of the WCPFC. He Committee Chair, and Michael Tosatto recommended to the WCPFC that MIMRA Legal Advisor sion (WCPFC15). The annual meeting also informed the fisheries management (United States) as NC Vice-Chair. Laurence Edwards, II, be appointed as TCC Chair for a two- was held at the Honolulu Convention organization of the challenge made by In support of Intersessional Working year term. The recommendation was subsequently endorsed Center in Honolulu 10-14 December, the Marshall Islands for an IUU-free Group activities during 2019, which by the full WCPFC at the December 2018 annual meeting. 2018. Minister Momotaro, in a formal Pacific by 2023, and the challenge from are to be progressed electronically, the At wrap up of the TCC14 meeting in Majuro, Marshall statement to WCPFC15, said he was at- Federated States of Micronesia to insti- WCPFC confirmed the following: a) Islands President Dr. Hilda C. Heine issued a call to end il- tending his first annual meeting of the tute electronic monitoring (EM) of all Tom Graham (United States) would legal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. With her WCPFC and was eager to see why es- fishing vessels by 2023. continue to lead the TCC Observer- statement to TCC14, President Heine officially launched a sential issues at WCPFC meetings are The Commission made a number of related IWG; b) Sarah Williams (New campaign for an IUU-Free Pacific by calling on Pacific na- not being resolved. He emphasized that appointments to Commission positions Zealand) would continue to lead the tions and those fishing in the region to aim to eliminate IUU Small Island Developing States (SIDS) commencing in 2019: a) Jung-re Riley South Pacific Albacore Roapmap IWG; fishing by 2023. Noting that the Forum Fisheries Agency are the most-affected by the fisheries Kim (Korea) was appointed as WCPFC c) Kerry Smith (Australia) would con- said in 2016 that IUU fishing was costing Pacific Islands management issues under discussion Chair replacing outgoing chair Rhea tinue to lead the ER and EMWG; and over $600 million a year in lost revenue, President Heine and his delegation was ready to engage Moss-Christian, and Dr. Josie Tamata d) Samuel Lanwi (RMI) and Dr. Alex called for a “five-on-five program” involving communica- A Fisheries Officer monitors a tuna transshipment in constructively. He urged agreement on (Niue) as WCPFC Vice-Chair; b) Jona- Kahl (United States) would co-chair the tion, cooperation, innovation, engagement and diplomacy. Port Majuro. a number of critical issues: the need to than Kidu (PNG) was appointed as a Transshipment Review IWG.

40 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 LEGAL AFFAIRS 41 AND CORPORATE FINANCE FINANCE AFFAIRS

High financial standards a major highlight of FY2018

he Fiscal Year 2018 annual audit demonstrates that the Marshall Is- T lands Marine Resources Author- ity continues to maintain a high-stand- ard of accountability in its financial operations. Deloitte auditors confirmed that the audit was “unqualified,” mean- ing that all financial information was satisfactorily maintained and available for audit. “In our opinion, the financial state- ‘The majority of ments…present fairly, in all material MIMRA’nt.’ respects, the financial position of the MIMRA’s revenue is generated largely by the tuna in- Marshall Islands Marine Resources dustry. Top: purse seiners in Majuro lagoon; far left and Authority as of September 30, 2018 above right, tuna processing at Marshall Islands Fishing and 2017, and the results of its opera- Venture; above left, transshipping tuna. tions and its cash flows for the years then ended in accordance with ac- revenue for FY2018 was $34,717,454, resulted from the highest-ever funds purse seine industry, the higher sales reflected the change in the number of counting principles generally accepted which exceeded the estimated revenue transfer to the national government value of “pooled” fishing days with transshipments from 560 in FY2017 to RMI VDS and in the United States of America,” said budget figure at the beginning of the budget. other PNA nations and sales of fishing 468 in FY2018. Fishing Rights Revenue the Deloitte audit for FY2018. year of $30,190,000. In FY2018, MIMRA saw continued days through the treaty with the United Boat charter fees remained stable at Financial accountability is essential Fisheries revenue contributed revenue growth from the sale of fish- States and its purse seine industry, and $700,000 annually, while fishing vio- FY2012-2018 for MIMRA to successfully carry out $29,440,214 to the Marshall Islands ing days to purse seiners through the finally small increases in the price of lation fines netted MIMRA $550,000 its mandate to manage marine resourc- national government budget for the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS) of the Par- fishing days for domestically -regis in FY2018, a decrease from the Fiscal Year Revenue es for the nation. fiscal year. This was less than the ties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA). tered vessels. $715,000 collected in FY2017. The 2012 $5,936,978 Overall net operating revenues in $40,129,700 transferred to the national The Marshall Islands is one of nine Licensing fees declined slightly as three-year annual average for fishing 2013 $10,225,353 FY2018 and FY2017 were stable. The government in FY2017. MIMRA had participating islands implementing a result of an eight percent decline in violation fines collected by MIMRA is 2014 $15,555,239 $33,938,061 operating revenue re- operating expenses of $4,030,989, a PNA’s VDS for the purse seine in- vessel registration, from 284 vessels $548,333. 2015 $24,406,606 corded for FY2018 showed a less than 15 percent reduction from the previ- dustry. The increase in VDS and re- in FY2017 to 260 in FY2018. Total Fisheries observer fees continued 2016 $26,970,078 half-a-percent decline from FY2017, ous year. Coupled with the transfer to lated fishing rights revenue has seen revenue was $2,320,700 in FY2018, an upward trend with the requirement 2017 $28,532,685 when the total was $34,057,294. Non- the national government, which was revenue increase from $5,936,978 in down from FY2017’s $2,508,762. But of 100 percent observer coverage on 2018 $29,144,696 operating revenues — a combination classified as a non-operating expense, FY2012 to $29,144,696 in FY2018. the FY2018 amount was higher than all purse seine fishing trips. Observer of grants, interests on investments, and the total expenses for FY2018 were FY2018 showed a two percent in- the $2.2 million recorded for licensing fees were $826,797 in FY2018 and Source: revenue from a joint venture fishing $33,485,997. For FY2018, MIM- crease in VDS and fishing rights reve- fees in FY2016. $815,987 the previous year. Other rev- MIMRA audited vessel — was lower in FY2018 than RA showed positive net income of nue compared to FY2017, when it was Tuna transshipment fees also enue was little changed from the pre- annual financial reports. the previous year, at $779,393 com- $1,385,332, an improvement over the $28,532,685. This reflects the overall showed a decline, from $596,000 in vious year, with $170,904 in FY2018 pared to $2,047,217. MIMRA’s total net loss of $8,794,049 in FY2017 that increasing value of fishing days to the FY2017 to $475,500 in FY2018. This compared to $196,430 in FY2017.

42 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 FINANCE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS 43 MIMRA: Management’s Financial MIMRA: Management’s Condition and Operations for Discussion and Analysis for FINANCE FY 2018, 2017 and 2016 FINANCE fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016

This table summarizes the financial condition and operations of MIMRA for fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016. This appears in the FY2018 audit. Comparative Revenue: FY18 vs FY17 vs FY16

Statements of Net Position 2018 2017 (%) Change 2016 ASSETS: Current and other assets $25,963,219 $ 25,170,217 3% $35,141,562 Capital assets 3,842,778 1,965,793 95% 1,183,609 2018 2017 2016 Investment in JV 4,917,702 6,209,153 (21%) 5,298,919 Total Assets $34,723,699 $ 33,345,163 4% $41,624,090 ======LIABILITIES: Current liabilities $ 903,041 $ 909,837 (0.7%) $ 394,715

NET POSITION: Investment in capital assets 3,842,778 1,965,793 95% 1,183,609 Restricted 740,138 636,077 16% 423,049 Unrestricted 29,235,100 29,833,456 (2%) 39,612,717

Total Net Position $33,820,658 $32,435,326 4% $ 41,229,375 ======

Statements of Revenue, Expenses and Changes in Net Position

2018 2017 (%) Change 2016 REVENUES: 2018 2017 2016 Operating Revenue $ 33,938,061 $34,057,424 (0.4%) $31,666,145 Non-Operating Revenue 779,393 2,047,217 (62%) 2,122,087 1 Vessel Day Scheme Revenue $25,842,384 $25,389,600 $23,991,991 Total Revenue 34,717,454 36,104,641 (3.8%) 33,788,232 2 Fishing Rights $3,302,312 $3,143,085 $2,978,087 ======3 License fee collections $2,320,700 $2,508,762 $2,202,988 EXPENSES: 4 Observers fees $826,797 $815,987 $544,040 Operating Expenses 4,030,989 4,759,761 (15%) 3,520,937 5 Boat chartering fee $700,000 $700,000 $700,000 Non-operating expenses 29,455,008 40,138,929 (27%) 26,285,938 6 Fishing violation fines $550,000 $715,000 $380,000 Total Expenses 33,485,997 44,898,690 (25%) 29,806,875 7 Transshipment fees $475,500 $596,000 $799,000 8 Others $176,904 $196,430 $70,039 CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS: 153,875 - 100% - 9 TOTAL REVENUES $34,194,597 $34,064,764 $31,666,145

Changes in net position 1,385,332 (8,794,049) 84% 3,981,657 Recovery (Allowance) for bad debts (256,536) (7,470) Net position at beg. of year 32,435,326 41,229,375 21% 37,248,018 NET REVENUES $33,938,061 $34,057,294 $31,666,145 Net position at end of year $33,820,658 $32,435,326 4% $41,229,375

======Overall Change FY2018 vs FY2017 (119.2333) -0.35%

44 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 FINANCE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS 45 Opening day February 8, 2019

MIMRA’s new home The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority’s new headquarters building in Majuro opened with an official ceremony in early 2019. President Hilda Heine, Natural Resources and Commerce Minister Dennis Momotaro and numerous other elected, traditional, religious and private sector leaders attended the event.

MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 46 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 47 MIMRA ANNUAL REPORT 2018 48