The Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau have signed a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to apply the 2024 amendments to the U.S. Tuna Treaty. This step reinforces regional cooperation in sustainable fisheries management and development.
The signing, led by Hon. Anthony M. Muller of RMI and Hon. Steven Victor of Palau, took place during the WCPFC21 sessions in Suva, Fiji. Forum Fisheries Committee Chair Ms. Erana Aliklik highlighted this milestone as a testament to the continued collaboration among Pacific Island Parties and the U.S.
Stay tuned as other members prepare to sign this MOU, paving the way for improved fisheries access arrangements over the next five years.

Republic of The Marshall Islands Delegation Participates with Pacific Leaders at the 21st WCPFC Session in Suva, Fiji
The 21st Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) commenced on November 28, 2024, in Suva, Fiji, and will continue until December 3, 2024. This week-long event brings together regional leaders to shape the sustainable management of tuna fisheries across the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO).
Representing the Marshall Islands at this pivotal session are Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Hon. Anthony Muller and Mrs. Sharon Muller, MIMRA Director Glen Joseph, Legal Counsel Laurence E. Edwards, II, Deputy Director Berry Muller, Chief Fisheries Officer Beau Bigler, Koo's Fishing Company General Manager Orlando Paul, Education & Awareness Representative Tamiko Jajo and Deputy Chief of Mission Terry Keju.

The Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, highlighted several critical priorities for the region, including the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change, fishing on the high seas, and the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) under Article 30 of the WCPFC Convention. He underscored the importance of replenishing the Special Requirements Fund (SRF) to ensure Pacific Island nations can tackle these challenges without bearing disproportionate burdens.
Quoting Genesis 1:26-28, the Prime Minister reminded participants of their shared duty to protect the Pacific's resources for future generations. He urged delegates to make decisions reflecting long-term commitments to sustainability, equity, and resilience, ensuring tuna stocks remain plentiful to sustain livelihoods and regional economies.
Hon. Muller’s statement echoed the sentiments shared by the Prime Minister Hon. Rabuka, he addressed key priorities for the RMI which, “…are aligned with the collective goals of robust conservation, equitable economic opportunities for coastal states, and the empowerment of our communities to actively participate in the tuna value chain”. Minister Muller also stressed the importance of domestic development and investment in marketing our tuna resources through the value-added chain with the likes of the Pacific Island Tuna Provisions (PITP), the development of a regulation for high seas transshipment activities demands urgent attention.”
In summary, Hon. Muller expressed the key priority areas for the RMI:

1. Domestic Development: Emphasizing the importance of purse seine and longline fisheries and efforts to increase dockside offloading and value-added processing. 
2. Strategic Engagements: Highlighting support for the FFA-led ENBI and the collaborative vision for processing tuna within the Pacific to generate local jobs and economic resilience. 
3. Catch and Effort Trends: Interpreting the WCPFC-CA’s 2023 catch of 2.63 million metric tons in economic terms—valued at $6.1 billion—and the need for Pacific nations to maximize this through regional cooperation. 
4. Future Vision: Proposing the establishment of a Pacific Fisheries Innovation Hub to pilot new technologies and sustainable practices. Other key priorities that RMI is expected to make contributions to the WCPFC21 meeting will also be: High Seas Transshipment, Compliance Monitoring Scheme (CMS), Marine Pollution, Labor Standards, Climate Change and Tropical Tuna Target Reference Points (TRP).

Project Title: The Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program Project for Economic and Resilience

Source of Funding: World Bank Grant No. P17854

Contract Ref: MH-MIMRA-392837-CW-RFQ

Contract Name: 3.2.1.1.2 - Rehabilitation Works for Fish bases and Fish Market

1.      This project is financed by the World Bank through the above grant. The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority invites sealed quotations from eligible bidders for the rehabilitation works of fish base, hatchery and market facilities.

2.       Eligible bidders should have experience in the construction of at least one contract of the nature and complexity equivalent to the Works described in this Invitation, during the last five years and should provide evidence of financial resources to successfully complete the Works.

3.       A complete set of Request for Quotation (RFQ) documents in English will be provided to interested eligible bidders upon the submission of a written application to the address below.

4.       Quotations must be submitted to the address below on or before 20th December 2024. Late quotations may be rejected.

5.       The address referred to above is:

Attn:

Filipe Sefeti

Project Procurement Officer, MIMRA/PROPER

Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority

Tel: 692-625-8262

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. cc; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Downloadable Document:

Request for Quotation

Project Title: The Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program – Economic Resilience (RMI PROPER)
Source of Funding: World Bank Grant No. IDA-E1650
Contract Ref: MH-MIMRA-431347-CS-INDV
Contract Name: 3.1.1.2 - Concept Design for Micronesia Atoll Research Station (MARS) Consultant

The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Project for Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program for Economic Resilience (PROPER) and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include provision of Micronesia Atoll Research Station Consultant services for the implementation of the Project for Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program for Economic Resilience (PROPER). The Micronesia Atoll Research Station Consultant is to Develop a Concept Design and the Financial Feasibility Study and the
Preparation of the Detailed Engineering Designs if project is found viable and approval is given to proceed after the Financial Feasibility Report. The duration will be for 3 months with 60 days inputs subject to extension. The detailed scope of services is indicated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) that can be found through link below.

MIMRA/PROPER now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (attach curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc. including a Cover Letter of no more than three (3) pages addressing individually the mandatory and desirable experience and qualification requirements of
the position). Firms’ staff may express interest through the employing firm for the assignment and, under such situation, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be considered in the selection process. The criteria for selecting the Consultant are as specified in the TOR under the Mandatory Qualifications and Experience.

EOIs must be delivered to the address below or sent through email on or before 13th December 2024, 5:00 pm (local time). The email subject line should state: “PROPER – MARS Consultant – full name of the candidate”. Late applications may be rejected.

The attention of interested Consultants (including firms) is drawn to paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 revised November 2017 “Procurement Regulations”, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

The address referred to above is:
Attention:
Filipe Sefeti
Project Procurement officer
PROPER
Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA)
Telephone Nos: +692 625 8262/5632
Fax No. : +692 625 5447
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. copy to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Downloadable Documents:
Expression of Interest & Terms of Reference

Job Title: GIS Specialist
Agency: Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority
Duration: 2 Years Contract & extension based on work performances

The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) is looking for a dynamic and experienced individual to join its team. We are looking for one (1) GIS Specialist.

Purpose: The Geographic Information System or GIS Specialist must demonstrate adequate knowledge with data and process modeling. Under direct supervision of the Chief of Coastal Fisheries, he/she will utilize GIS for the purpose of spatial data management and visualization, as well within the RMI GIS User Group to help direct GIS activities that will benefit both MIMRA and the Group. The GIS Specialist will also assist other staff in collecting and Managing Information and developing the resources management plan for the outer island communities and will be assigned to assist in other tasks needed under the Reimaanlok and the PAN Office.

Position Responsibilities/Duties:
● Data Collection, Management & Dissemination
● Spatial Planning, Training & Education

Education/Experiences:
● Bachelor’s degree in Geography, Planning, Natural Resources Management or related field.
● Minimum 3-5 years of applied experience with ArcGIS Technology or other geospatial programs, tools and emerging technology.
● Must possess a valid driver’s license

Application Process:

● Download the Application, or pick up a copy at the MIMRA Building in Delap. The Terms of Reference (TOR) is also available below.
● Submit Your Application: Applications can be submitted online or in person. Please ensure submissions are made by December 12, 2024, no later than 5:00 PM. Email your application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or drop it off at the MIMRA Building in Delap.

Downloadable Documents:
● Job Application Form
● GIS Specialist Terms of Reference