Featured

Republic of the Marshall Islands Participates in Historic First BBNJ Preparatory Commission Session

Announcement

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.

 

 

Featured

Marshall Islands Submits BBNJ Instrument of Ratification to the United Nations

Announcement
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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Featured

Historic Milestone: Marshall Islands' First National Marine Sanctuary Signed!

Announcement

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES) - Coastal Fisheries Data Analyst

Announcement

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES)
Project Title: The Pacific Regional Oceanscape
Program – Economic Resilience (RMI PROPER) 

Source of Funding: World Bank Grant No. IDA-E1650
Contract Ref: Mh-MIMRA-461250-CS-INDV.
Contract Name: 3.1.1.1.1 Coastal Fisheries Data Analyst


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”) includes provision of a Coastal Fisheries Data Analyst, A service for the implementation of the Project for Pacific Regional Oceanscape Program for Economic Resilience (PROPER). The Consultant is to provide technical expertise in data collection, management and reporting to support evidence-based decision-making in coastal fisheries management in the RMI.


The position will be located within MIMRA with the flexibility of onsite and remote work arrangements, RMI and is expected to start February 2025. The detailed scope of services is indicated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) that can be found at https://www.rmimimra.com/index.php/opportunities/job-opportunity


MIMRA 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 31 st January 2025 at 5:00 pm (local time). The email subject line should state: “Coastal Fisheries Data Analyst- 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
PROPER Procurement Officer
Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority
(MIMRA)
P.O. Box 860. Majuro, MH 96960
Republic of the Marshall Islands
Telephone Nos: +692 625 8262/5632
Fax No. : +692 625 5447
Emails 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: Terms of Reference and Expression of Interest 

Featured

The 21st Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)

Announcement

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).

Main Menu