Tonga Fishries new focus reaps reward Featured
10 May, 2017. Tonga Fisheries transition from being tagged under one ministry with Agriculture, Food and Forest to a stand-alone ministry has set new priorities which include increasing exports and helping to combat NCDs through the promotion of fish in diets.
CEO for Fisheries Dr Tu’ikolongahau Halafihi told delegates during the opening round of country statements at the Forum Fisheries Committee officials meeting in Canberra, Australia that the new focus has seen rewards.
“Exports were up 73% to 1,743 tonnes, with a 54% increase in the value of fish exported to over $10 million. We are increasing the availability of fish on our local markets by requiring all by-catch from our foreign licensed vessels to be landed for sale in Tonga.We have reviewed our snapper management plan based on the outcomes of the recent stock assessment models developed by SPC and Tonga, and our fleet of snapper vessels are supported with concessional loans from our national bank,” he said.
Dr Halafihi said the ministry has a new function based organisation structure which covers Fisheries Management and Development Division, Fisheries Science Division, Fisheries Compliance Division and Corporate Services Division.
He stated that the ministry manages fisheries in Tonga at a range of different levels which include community fisheries, commercial fisheries and aquaculture.
Dr Halafihi also noted the challenges faced by Tonga Fisheries.
“The major emerging challenge for the Ministry of Fisheries has been the Government’s approval of the Tonga Fisheries Sector Plan, developed with the assistance of the World Bank. There are over 100 action items that represent the biggest range of fisheries reforms in Tonga for over 20 years.
“We are implementing the plan and are seeking funding and technical assistance from our development partners.”
-MEIDECC
