Ministry of Fisheries - Tonga

Vuna Road, Sopu
Tongatapu, Tonga

+6767401201
info@tongafish.gov.to

OFFICIAL HANDOVER OF 30 BOATS FROM NIPPON FOUNDATION FROM THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT OF TONGA ON THE 28TH FEB 2024

Press Release

Official Handover of 30 Boats from Nippon foundation from the japanese Government to the government of tonga on the 28th feb 2024

[Ministry of Fisheries, Sopu, February 26, 2024] – The Ministry of Fisheries Tonga is pleased to announce the successful completion of the official handover ceremony of 30 boats and outboard engines, generously provided by the Nippon Foundation from the Japanese Government as part of the support in re-building from Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai incident, which took place on the 28th of February 2024. This significant event marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing partnership between the Nippon Foundation and the Tonga Government aimed at advancing the nation's fisheries sector.

The Acting Ambassador for the Japan Embassy, Daishoji Toshiyuki and Mr. Takehiro Umemura, Senior Program Director of Nippon Foundation handed 30 boats to his Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku and the government of Tonga. The event underscored the commitment of both parties to bolstering sustainable fishing practices and supporting the socio-economic development of Tonga's coastal communities. This brought together district officers, government officials, representatives from the Nippon Foundation, members of the local communities and boat builders.

These 30 boats measured in 18 x 23 ft with 40HP and 12 x 32 ft with 85HP, outfitted with modern equipment and amenities, symbolized a tangible investment in Tonga's maritime infrastructure. These vessels were designed not only to enhance the capabilities of local fishermen but also to contribute to the preservation of marine resources and the promotion of food security in the region.

The partnership between the Nippon Foundation and the Tonga Government reflected a shared vision of promoting inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. By empowering local fishermen with the tools and resources they need to thrive, both organizations paved the way for a more prosperous and resilient maritime sector.

As Tonga continues its journey towards sustainable development, collaborations such as these serve as catalysts for positive change and reinforce the bonds of friendship and cooperation between nations.

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Ministry of Fisheries

Training Initiative in Collaboration with Pacific Community Enhances Fisheries Management in Tonga

Training Initiative in Collaboration with Pacific Community Enhances Fisheries Management in Tonga

Nukualofa, 12th – 19th December, 2023 — The Ministry of Fisheries in Tonga proudly welcomes the esteemed trainer and facilitation team from the Pacific Community (SPC), Dr. Tuikolongahau Halafihi, Caroline Sanchez, and Martin Finau, along with Mr. Lopeti Tukuafu, Observer Trainer currently working under the Tonga National Observer Program, coordinated and managed by the Ministry of Fisheries.

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The Ministry of Fisheries recognizes the importance of building a skilled team of samplers contributing to the Pacific Marine Specimen Bank housed at SPC. The purpose of this initiative is to provide samples from fish caught and unloaded in Nukualofa, contributing to scientific analyses crucial for effective fisheries management.

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Tonga, in collaboration with SPC, has signed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) in 2022 to collect and curate biological samples necessary for managing bigeye, yellowfin tuna, skipjack, albacore, and bycatch species in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. This collaboration aligns with the Ministry of Fisheries Corporate Plan, identifying the need to conduct bio-sampling as a key activity supporting decision-making on fisheries management measures, both offshore and inshore.

 

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The training program over the next few days aims to equip participants—observers, port samplers, and fisheries officers—with essential knowledge on the sampling program in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean fisheries. This includes understanding the use and importance of information collected, identification and removal of internal organs and hard parts, and the procedures for collecting, storing, recording, and reporting biological samples.

 

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Furthermore, participants will develop skills to the required standard, including locating, identifying, removing, and recording the main internal organs and hard parts collected for the biological sampling program. The training will also cover interpreting information in accordance with agreed protocols and collecting data and information to a higher standard.

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The Ministry of Fisheries takes pride in its national Electronic Reporting (ER) program, enabling certified observers and port samplers to facilitate reporting of sampling activities at-sea and in-port using tablets.

This collaborative effort reinforces Tonga's commitment to sustainable fisheries management and contributes significantly to the broader goals of the Western Central Pacific Commission (WCPFC). The Ministry of Fisheries looks forward to the positive impact of this training initiative on the effective stewardship of Tonga's marine resources.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Metuisela Pohiva

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+676 7401234

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