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MIMRA Annual Report FY2024
The MIMRA Annual Report for FY2024 is now available for online viewing.
Developments in various international, regional and local activities continue to progress, as shown in MIMRA's Annual Report for FY 2024 which lays out the administration's activities during the fiscal year, with headlines including:
- The tuna value chain
- Observers pay raise applied
- Wotje becomes fourth atoll to join PAN family group
- Records broken in FY2024
- Seiners bring in 86pc of the catch
- Primary revenue driver: the Vessel Day Scheme
Click here to access the full FY2024 report. For previous annual reports and other resources, visit the Resources page.
Marshall Islands Submits BBNJ Instrument of Ratification to the United Nations
Marshall Islands Submits BBNJ Instrument of Ratification to the United Nations
March 13, 2025 – New York, NY – The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has taken a significant step in advancing global ocean governance by officially delivering its instrument of ratification for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) to the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs (UN OLA) Treaty Section.
The submission, made by Hon. Ambassador John M. Silk, the RMI Mission to the United Nations in New York, and Hon. Minister Jess Gasper Jr., RMI Minister of Cultural and Internal Affairs, reaffirms the nation’s commitment to the sustainable management of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). This landmark treaty, known as the BBNJ Agreement, provides a legal framework to protect and sustainably use marine genetic resources, establish marine protected areas, and ensure environmental impact assessments in international waters.
The ratification of the BBNJ Agreement aligns with the RMI’s dedication to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management, reinforcing the country’s leadership in international ocean governance. As a nation deeply connected to the Pacific Ocean, the RMI continues to advocate for robust international mechanisms to protect marine ecosystems and support global biodiversity conservation efforts.
Additionally, the RMI has also submitted its instrument of ratification for the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, demonstrating its commitment to global peace and security. This treaty, also known as the Ottawa Convention, aims to eliminate the use of anti-personnel mines worldwide, preventing civilian harm and fostering international disarmament efforts.
The successful submission of both treaties to the UN OLA Treaty Section marks a significant milestone in RMI’s ongoing engagement in multilateral agreements that safeguard both human security and the health of the planet’s oceans.
For more updates on RMI’s role in international treaties and marine conservation efforts, visit MIMRA’s website. www.mimra.com or follow us on social media @mimra96960 / Email:
Republic of the Marshall Islands Participates in Historic First BBNJ Preparatory Commission Session
Republic of the Marshall Islands Participates in Historic First BBNJ Preparatory Commission Session
New York, NY – The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) proudly participated in the inaugural session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), held at the United Nations Headquarters.
Leading the RMI delegation was His Excellency Ambassador John M. Silk, joined by alternate delegate RMI Deputy Attorney General Johnathen Kawakami, Dr. Filimon M. Manoni of the Office of the Pacific Oceans Commissioner (OPOC), MIMRA Legal Counsel Laurence E. Edwards II, and First Secretary Tony Shu from the RMI Mission.
This landmark session—BBNJ PrepCom1—marks the first formal step by UN Member States toward operationalizing the BBNJ Agreement. Discussions focused on key organizational and procedural elements, including:
1. Rules of procedure for the Conference of the Parties
2. Terms of reference and modalities for subsidiary bodies
3. Selection process for scientific and technical experts
4. Secretariat arrangements and seat
5. Operation of the Clearing-House Mechanism
6. Financial rules for the Conference of the Parties and its bodies
7. Funding arrangements with the Global Environment Facility
8. Preparatory dialogue for future cooperation, reporting, and financial mechanisms
As a member of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), the RMI underscored its priorities in the formation of key subsidiary bodies such as the Access and Benefit-Sharing Committee, the Implementation and Compliance Committee, the Capacity-Building and Marine Technology Transfer Committee, and the Finance Committee.
The RMI delegation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable ocean governance, protecting marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, and supporting robust international cooperation.
