Overview

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Koru's coastal fisheries are vital to the food security, livelihoods, and cultural identity of its people. With a 30km coastline and fringing reef system, these resources support local communities but face increasing pressure from overfishing, climate change, coral bleaching, and ocean acidification.

KFMRA manages coastal fisheries under the Coastal Marine and Aquaculture Act 2020 and the CMA Regulations 2026, which provide the legal framework for sustainable management, conservation, and community participation.

Community-Based Fisheries Management (CBFM)

CBFM is the cornerstone of Koru's coastal fisheries management approach. Under the CMA Act, communities can establish Community Fisheries Management Areas with elected committees of 7 members, including mandatory representation of women and youth (aged 18-34).

Echoes of Oceania — Regional CBFM Platform

The Pacific Community (SPC) hosts Echoes of Oceania, the regional knowledge-sharing platform for community-based fisheries management across the Pacific Islands. The platform features country profiles, a directory of CBFM practitioners, and a resource library with over 500 documents on coastal fisheries management. Koru's CBFM work is part of this wider Pacific movement to empower communities as custodians of their marine resources.

Regulations & Licensing

Conservation

Fully Protected Species

The following species have no take status under the CMA Regulations 2026:

• Giant clams (all Tridacna species: T. gigas, T. derasa, T. squamosa)
• All sea turtle species

Size Limits & Quotas

Prohibited Fishing Methods

• Breaking or destroying coral or rock
• Dumping waste in marine areas
• Only hand nets, wading gillnets, and cast nets permitted
• Minimum mesh sizes: 30mm and 50mm depending on net type

Overview

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Aquaculture is a key strategy for Koru's food security, reducing dependence on imported fish and building climate resilience. KFMRA is developing domestic aquaculture capacity through the RCMA project, with a focus on milkfish farming and giant clam mariculture.

Milkfish Programme

The RCMA project is investing in a self-sufficient milkfish production system, including a broodstock holding facility, hatchery equipment for spawning, and a laboratory for live feed production (microalgae, rotifers, Artemia). The goal is to end Koru's dependence on imported milkfish fry and establish sustainable domestic production.

Giant Clam Mariculture

Giant clams are culturally important and ecologically valuable. While wild harvest is fully prohibited, KFMRA is developing mariculture infrastructure to support reef restocking and potential sustainable farming under the RCMA and MiSHORE projects.

Licensing & Export

Overview

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Koru's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers 309,888 square kilometres of the western and central Pacific Ocean, one of the world's most productive tuna fishing grounds. Oceanic fisheries are a critical source of national revenue and economic development.

Tuna Management

KFMRA manages access to Koru's EEZ tuna resources through a licensing system and participates in regional fisheries management arrangements through the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Fisheries Commission (WCPOFC) and the Parties to the Koru Agreement (PKA).

Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs)

KFMRA deploys and maintains Fish Aggregating Devices around Koru's coastline under the RCMA project. FADs help local fishers access pelagic fish species, reducing pressure on reef fisheries while improving food security.

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Overview

Koru's fisheries are regulated under the Coastal Marine and Aquaculture Act 2020 (CMA Act) and the CMA Regulations 2026. These laws provide the framework for sustainable management of coastal and marine resources, licensing requirements, conservation measures, and enforcement.

KFMRA is the government authority responsible for administering and enforcing these regulations. All fishers, processors, and exporters operating in Koru's waters must comply with the requirements set out below.

Licensing Requirements

Different activities require different licenses. Korun citizens fishing for personal consumption do not require a license, but all other fishing activities require appropriate authorisation.

Catch Limits & Quotas

Prohibited Fishing Methods

• Breaking or destroying coral or rock
• Dumping waste in marine areas
• Use of explosives, poisons, or chemicals
• Use of SCUBA or hookah gear for commercial harvest
• Only hand nets, wading gillnets, and cast nets are permitted
• Minimum mesh sizes: 30mm and 50mm depending on net type

Illegal Fishing Penalties

In addition to fines, offenders may have fishing gear, catch, and vessels seized. Repeat offenders may be banned from fishing in Koru's waters.

How to Report Illegal Fishing

If you witness illegal fishing activities, please report them to KFMRA. Reports can be made in person at the KFMRA office in Taren District, by phone, or by email. All reports are treated confidentially.

Legislation

• Coastal Marine and Aquaculture Act 2020 (PDF)
• CMA Regulations 2026 - Government Gazette No. 34 (PDF)
• CMA Regulations 2026 - Plain Language Summary (PDF)

Reports & Publications

• Annual Fisheries Catch Report 2025 (PDF)
• Annual Fisheries Catch Report 2024 (PDF)
• Annual Fisheries Catch Report 2023 (PDF)
• Annual Fisheries Catch Report 2022 (PDF)
• Economic Contribution of Fisheries to the Koru Economy 2025 (PDF)
• Oceanic Fisheries Revenue Report 2024 (PDF)
• National Information Strategy for Coastal Fisheries Management (PDF)
• ODC Fisheries Newsletter #177 - Building Climate-Resilient Fisheries in Koru

Useful Links

Upcoming Events

Community workshops, training sessions, and public events hosted or supported by KFMRA.

Awareness Materials

Educational resources for communities, schools, and fishers. Available in print and digital formats.

Videos

Short videos on KFMRA’s work, community fisheries management, and marine conservation in Koru.

[Video content placeholders — embed YouTube/Vimeo links when available]

Social Media Highlights

Follow KFMRA on social media for the latest updates, photos, and community stories.

Taben Aro — Ridge to Reef Campaign

The Taben Aro (“Ridge to Reef”) awareness campaign connects land-based activities to marine health. The campaign is being revitalised under the MiSHORE and RCMA projects to build community understanding of how actions across the island — from waste management to agriculture — affect reef and ocean ecosystems.

Radio Content

KFMRA partners with Koru Broadcasting to share fisheries information, regulations updates, and community stories through regular radio segments. Radio remains one of the most effective channels for reaching all Korun communities.

• Fisheries Update — CMA Regulations 2026 Explained (audio)
• Community Voices: Fishing in Oma District (audio)
• RCMA Project Launch — What It Means for Koru (audio)