Morning Star crowned champions of Tubusereia fishing comp

The Morning Star dinghy crew have been crowned champions of the 2026 Tubusereia Kimai Race fishing competition following a grueling 10-week ocean tournament.

The crew walked away with the ultimate shield and K1000 cash prize during the official presentation ceremony held at Tubusere village, Central.

The tournament was made possible through a K10,000 sponsorship from Hiri Local Level Government [LLG] president Haoda Rogea.Competition chairman Noel Sibona revealed that a total of 23 dinghies took part in the season, hauling in a massive collective catch of 13,512 fish.

The competition officially commenced with a trial race over the Easter long weekend in April before moving into the proper season.

"We go out and play the game out at sea at night," Sibona said.

"We come back, win cash, and at the same time we have food on the table. We provide this for the whole family to enjoy, so it is a win-win thing."

According to competition rules, each dinghy carries a strict six-member crew.

The night-fishing endurance race starts at 8pm and concludes at 8am the following morning, when crews return to shore for the official count and weigh-in.

Sibona said local fishermen were resilient as the 2026 season threw severe weather challenges and strong winds at the competitors.

"We faced a very big challenge this season due to the strong winds coming," he said.

"But we have strong boys, they really did it. We successfully completed the race."

While Morning Star claimed the top prize, runner-up dinghy Pai Dodo secured second place with K900 after landing the tournament's biggest single catch, a 21-kilogram tuna.

Sibona said the event was left open with crews featuring a mix of women, youth, elders, and persons living with disabilities.

"We have some kids below 15 years old taking part, plus women and some persons living with disability as well. As long as it is a six crew member, it is very inclusive," Sibona said.

He added that the tournament serves as a vital cultural learning point for the village children to sustain traditional Motuan fishing practices.

When asked about expanding the event, Sibona encouraged neighboring coastal communities in Central to establish their own tournaments.

"This competition is for Tubusereia alone. If Barakau or Gaire want to start their own, they can start theirs.

"But there will come a time when all of us will come together and maybe hold a grand one," he said.

Sibona extended his gratitude to President Rogea and the Member for Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu for their financial backing.

Meanwhile, the top 10 teams received consolation prizes.