Why does Kiribati charge foreign fishing fleets license fees?

Kiribati charges foreign fishing fleets license fees primarily as a vital source of government revenue. Following the exhaustion of its phosphate rock deposits in 1979, the country shifted its economic focus toward the exploitation of its marine resources.12

By claiming an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1,350,000 square miles (3,500,000 square km), Kiribati leverages its vast maritime territory to generate income through these fees, which include agreements such as a special tuna-fishing arrangement with the European Union. This revenue is essential for supporting the nation's economy, as the country continues to rely on foreign aid for most of its capital and development expenditures.1