Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources - Solomon Islands

🧾 MFMR Strengthens Procurement Capacity through Refresher Training

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), through its Procurement Unit, successfully held a one-day Refresher Procurement Training last week at the Mendana Hotel, Honiara, under the theme “Improving MFMR Simple Procurement Process.”

The training brought together more than 25 officers from all MFMR divisions to strengthen their understanding of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) procurement process, improve compliance, and ensure better record-keeping and internal controls within the Ministry.

💰 Funding for the workshop was provided by the World Bank through the PROPER Project, supporting MFMR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and promote good governance in the fisheries sector.

Procurement Officer Mr. Kenneth Kuni said the training achieved its purpose by helping officers understand the role of the Procurement Unit and follow proper procedures when procuring goods and services.

“Often, procurement is carried out without the knowledge of the Procurement Officer, and that’s one of the major hiccups we continue to face. I hope the information shared during the workshop will help officers follow proper procedures and strengthen coordination across divisions,” Mr. Kuni said.

The training featured interactive sessions, group exercises, and case discussions focused on quotation and bid evaluation, annual procurement planning, and tracking tools such as the Gantt Chart.

👏 MFMR acknowledges the World Bank’s support through the PROPER Project and thanks all staff for their active participation and commitment to improving transparency and accountability in the Ministry’s operations.

🇯🇵 Japan & MFMR Boost Provincial Fisheries with Refrigeration Training ❄️🐟

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR), through its Provincial Fisheries Division’s Refrigeration Section, successfully wrapped up a week-long Refrigeration Workshop last Friday (24 October 2025) in Honiara.

The training, held in partnership with the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan (OFCF), brought together provincial fisheries officers and the Honiara-based refrigeration team to strengthen their skills in maintaining and repairing ice-making machines that support fisheries centres across the country.

Facilitated by two Japanese engineers — Mr. Murakami Masaharu and Mr. Nohara Toshikazu — the hands-on sessions helped officers gain practical experience to ensure ice machines continue running efficiently to support the Ministry’s cold chain operations in the provinces.

Deputy Director of Provincial Fisheries, Mr. Bennie Buga, said the workshop was a timely boost to improve technical capacity and reduce costly machine breakdowns. He thanked the Government of Japan and OFCF for their long-standing support, which continues to strengthen fisheries infrastructure and services across Solomon Islands.

👏 Big thanks to Japan and OFCF for their continued partnership in supporting provincial fisheries development and improving fish quality for our rural communities.

🎉 MFMR Fundraiser Night – Come Join the Fun! 🎶

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) is hosting a fundraiser tonight to support its upcoming Christmas Staff Party!

📍 Venue: ATL Harbour View
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM till late
💵 Entrance Fee: $50.00

Come enjoy an awesome night out with live music by the V7T Band, delicious food on sale, and great company.

If you’re feeling hungry and don’t want to head home, no worries — we’ve got you covered! 😋

Don’t miss out – see you at ATL tonight! 🎤🎶🎄

🎣 TUFMAN 2 Training Boosts Fisheries Data Skills

Last week (13–17 October 2025), the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) teamed up with the Pacific Community (SPC) to deliver an In-Country Training on the TUFMAN 2 Database/System in Honiara — proudly funded by SPC. 👏

The week-long training brought together staff from the Offshore Division, including the Statistics & Information, Observer, Licensing, E-Reporting & E-Monitoring, and Compliance units.

💻 Through hands-on sessions, participants learned how to:
✅ Use the TUFMAN 2 Reporting Module to extract fisheries data by gear type, species, catch, and coordinates
✅ Apply E-Reporting and E-Debriefing tools
✅ Use the OLLO App for observer data collection
✅ Enter, validate, and report fisheries data
✅ Understand how national data contributes to regional reports and supports fisheries management decisions

The training helped strengthen staff capacity in data collection, management, and reporting — ensuring more accurate and timely fisheries information for better decision-making and sustainable tuna fisheries management in Solomon Islands. 🌊🐟

A big tagio tumas to SPC for their continuous support in building local fisheries capacity! 🙌

🌊 Solwata blo iumi Boosts Fisheries Awareness on Rennell 🇸🇧

Honiara, 20 October 2025 – The Solwata blo iumi – Kipim fisaries blo Solomon Aelans team has wrapped up a successful Inshore Fisheries Regulations Awareness Campaign on Rennell Island from 14th–17th October 2025.

Led by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) in partnership with the Renbel Province Fisheries Division, the campaign aimed to strengthen understanding of fisheries rules and promote responsible use of our marine resources.

The team reached three schools and three communities – the last remaining sites not covered in previous visits. More than 147 students and teachers from New Place, Henua, and Moa schools, and 72 community members from Kaagua, Tigoa, Avatai, and Teavamagu joined the sessions.

The activities included interactive presentations, role plays, and quizzes — with small prizes for participants who showed great understanding! All sessions were held in Pidgin and local dialects to make sure everyone could fully take part and learn.

📘 Teachers and students said it was the first time any government agency had delivered such an awareness in their schools, calling it both educational and inspiring.

💡 Key Messages

Protect our coastal fishing areas from overharvesting 🐠

Follow rules that help manage fishing and protect marine ecosystems 🌿

Respect size limits and seasonal bans so fish can grow and reproduce 🐟

Take responsibility as stewards of our ocean resources 🌊

The team also received valuable feedback on improving community compliance and outreach, and participants requested more awareness on:
➡ Marine species of concern
➡ Traditional fishing practices
➡ Inshore marine export requirements

Next stop: Bellona Island in early 2026! 🏝️
The Solwata blo iumi campaign will continue spreading awareness to help communities across Solomon Islands kipim fisaries blo iumi! 💙

For more info, contact the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) or visit the Provincial Fisheries Office in Tingoa.

Milkfish and Tilapia Make a Splash as Round 6 Fires Up MFMR Volleyball League
Honiara, 20 October 2025 — The “No Pain No Gain” Volleyball Competition roared back to life this afternoon at the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) compound as Round 6 served up two thrilling clashes to start the week.

In the opening match, Milkfish battled hard to edge out Trevally by 2 sets to 1, in a showdown that kept spectators on their toes. The victory propels Milkfish up the ladder, placing them among the top contenders with just one more round to go before the finals.

The second game didn’t disappoint either, with Tilapia also fighting off a spirited Snapper side to claim a 2–1 win. Both matches delivered plenty of energy, loud cheers, and the trademark MFMR team spirit that has defined this competition from day one.

Round 6 action continues midweek, with T**a facing Albacore at 4:50pm, followed by a Skipjack vs. Dolphin matchup at 5:20pm on Wednesday, 22 October.

Sports Chair Nixon Tuita reminded all MFMR staff that the tournament is heading toward its climax. “We’re now into Round 6 with only one more round left next week before the finals. Let’s keep the momentum strong and finish the tournament on a high,” he said.

He also added that while fixtures may shift depending on the weather, games will go ahead as long as conditions allow.

The MFMR “No Pain No Gain” Volleyball Competition continues to bring out the best in teamwork, fun, and friendly rivalry — and with only one round left, every spike and serve now counts!

Milkfish Stuns T**a as MFMR's No Pain No Gain Volleyball League Round 5 Wraps Up

The MFMR Sports League was shaken today as Milkfish delivered the biggest upset of the season, defeating the previously unbeaten T**a in straight sets, 2–0, in a dominant performance that sent shockwaves through the competition.

The win not only ended T**a’s perfect run but also proved that Milkfish is a serious contender as the league heads into its final rounds. Earlier in the afternoon, SkipJack edged out Tilapia in a tight contest, winning two sets to one to secure valuable points before the standings are updated.

These results officially close Round 5, with T**a still clinging to the top of the ladder, followed closely by Albacore, while the rest of the teams remain tightly packed as the competition heats up.

Tournament Sports Chair Nixon Tuita described the competition as “fierce but fun,” urging teams to remain organised and avoid using guest players to maintain fairness.

Meanwhile, several friendly matches are in the works, with possible opponents including FFA, MOFT, CBSI, and even a rematch with Parliament, pending confirmation.

With just two rounds left before the finals, the stage is set for more surprises, high-energy clashes, and plenty of bragging rights as the Fisheries League powers into the business end of the season! 🏐🔥

Social Volleyball Match Brings Ministries Together 🏐🤝

The No Pain No Gain volleyball league organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) was temporarily suspended this afternoon to make way for friendly social matches with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET).

Staff from both ministries took to the court in mixed teams of men and women, creating a lively, tense but friendly atmosphere. Laughter, teamwork, and great rallies highlighted the games as players from both sides enjoyed the opportunity to connect outside their usual office settings.

Some MFAET officers have already expressed interest in more of these social sports exchanges, suggesting that such matches help build camaraderie and cooperation between government ministries.

It’s safe to say everyone left the court today as winners! 💪🏽🏐