A. Representation of members voice and concern

One of the most important jobs of BFA is to voice the views and concern of its members

B. Educational Loan Scheme

We began this scheme by sponsoring our members to undertake courses like Class 5 Marine Engineering, Class 6 navigation, computer courses at the University of the South Pacific Campus in Teaoraereke.  However, the scheme is not sustainable. The Board of Directors had agreed to revive the scheme but to turn it into the educational loan scheme. The reason was to let the scheme on-going.
The scheme will begin upon the availability of the fund.

C.Training Workshop

1.Global Positing System (GPS):

This training had been recommended by Capt Miteti Abete, Director of marine Division of Ministry of Communication, Transport and Tourism Development. Cpt. Abete voiced over Radio Kiribati in late 2006 that our GPS training workshop had minimized fishermen being lost into the sea as such saving more than $200,000.00 Australian dollars to the Government of Kiribati for her rescue programme.
Although we have limited resources, we have made efforts to reach out to the rural fishers on the island of Aranuka, Onotoa, Makin and a village, Taratai, in North Tarawa.
We are saddened to learn the lost of our first Senior Training Facilitator: Capt. Tearei Raubane but we are glad to announce the first assistance from the then Chinese Embassy in Bairiki for the first 4 GPS device and training workshop expenses.
Facilitator: Capt Tetoma Ueere.

2.Strategic Planning and Management

This is a new training offering outlining SWOT analysis, Strategic Action programme and so on. It went off early 2008 and with positive feedback from the workshop participants.

Facilitator: Harry Redfern and Rutiano Benetito

3.Outboard Motor Engine Repair and Maintenance

We have 3 graduates on Class 5 Marine Engineering from University of South Pacific Campus at Teaoraereke. These members are Kamoki Nikotaake, Tamuera Tiira and Robati Tabuia sponsored by the association. We have 1 member with First Class Marine Engineering.

In 2004, we co-organized a one-long week workshop on Outboard Motor Engine Repair and Maintenance with Fisheries Division of Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development.

4.Basic Weather

This is a new training offer. It will combine the scientific weather knowledge and our local knowledge on weather. It will be out in 2009.

Facilitator: Teteke Enere, a retired Meteorological Director.

5.Basic Bookkeeping

This is an internal training workshop for our members to know the basic principles of book keeping

6.Start Your Fisheries Business

SPC organized a national workshop sometime in March 2008 with 2 members from BFA. They will reinvent that workshop into our members. We may organize one in 2009.

Facilitator: Harry Redfern & Rutiano Benetito

D. Artificial Reef

This project was launched on 12th July 2008 by Hon Taberannang Timeon . It was funded by New Zealand High Commission. Our job in collaboration with Fisheries Division of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development is to monitor the breeding of fish at the reef so that one day, fishermen will fish there.

The atificial reef is at the western of Betio islet.

We will update the quarterly report online.

updated: December 2008