FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT IN KIRIBATI: SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES IN A "MIRAB" ECONOMY

Authors

Frank R. Thomas, Historic Preservation Office, Majuro, Marshall IslandsFollow

Abstract

Fisheries development has long been recognized as a means of achieving greater economic independence for Pacific "microstates." The Republic of Kiribati is particularly well endowed in marine resources, largely due to its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). However, the extraction of those resources rests mainly with distant-water fishing nations (DWFNs) who pay a license fee. This feature of a "MIRAB" economy, which encompasses elements of migration, remittances, aid, and bureaucracy, only marginally benefits Kiribati. Government has therefore looked to develop its own fishery' industry and begun to focus on inshore fisheries and aquaculture projects to diversify Kiribati's meager exports. In addition, commercial artisanal fishing is seen as a means of creating local employment. With increasing human populations, urban drift, more-efficient extractive technologies, and expanding market opportunities, conflicts over resource ownership may become more acute. Better resource management, together with the implementation of a remodeled marine tenure system, will need to take priority if fisheries development is to be sustainable.

Recommended Citation

Thomas, Frank R. (2003) "FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT IN KIRIBATI: SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES IN A "MIRAB" ECONOMY," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 26: No. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol26/iss1/1