9th - 10th October 2017

 This week Tonga fisheries staff, with support from Andrew Hunt and Ian Freeman from the Pacific Community (SPC), installed solar powered vessel tracking devices on four aquarium fishery boats as part of a 6-months trail of remote vessel monitoring.

The devices, provided by Pelagic Data Systems, allow fishries staff to monitor the movements of aquarium fishery boats to ensure compliance with local policy and guidelines ensuring a sustainable aquarium fishery in Tonga for the future. Mele Atuekaho and Sisi Mafile'o from Tonga fisheries have been leading the initiative through the Tonga Fisheries aquarium fisheries policy. "This trail will allow us to see if these devices can help in monitoring and managing aquarium fishery boats to ensure the fishery is profitable and sustainable for everyone" Ms. 'Autekaho said.

The Pelagic Devices were purchased due to generous support from MFAT and the New Zealand Government.