2018-2022 FISHING LICENSE REVENUE

Between 2018 and 2022, fishing license revenues remained a cornerstone of Kiribati’s economy, consistently contributing over 70% of total government income. These revenues are primarily derived from licensing foreign fishing vessels to operate within Kiribati’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), one of the world's most productive tuna fisheries.

The Ministry of Finance, Economics and Development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, regularly publishes detailed reports tracking fishing revenue trends. This ongoing monitoring ensures that fisheries continue to deliver optimal and sustainable value to the nation

Notably, in 2020, fishing license and access fee revenues accounted for approximately 70% of Kiribati’s fiscal revenues. However, the closure of the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) to commercial fishing in 2015 led to significant revenue losses, estimated between USD 60 million and USD 140 million over the subsequent years. This prompted the government to reopen PIPA in 2021 to mitigate financial shortfalls.

Overall, the 2018–2022 period underscored the critical role of sustainable fisheries management in Kiribati’s economic stability and development.