Ministry of Fisheries - Tonga

Vuna Road, Sopu
Tongatapu, Tonga

+6767401201
info@tongafish.gov.to

Official Handover of Field Sampling and Laboratory Equipment for Monitoring of Ciguatoxins

Press Release

Official Handover of Field Sampling and Laboratory Equipment for Monitoring of Ciguatoxins

[Sopu, May 30th, 2023] - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has successfully supported the Ministry of Fisheries and Ministry of Health in bolstering a national monitoring program for ciguatera fish poisoning. Through a series of trainings, workshops, and the development of monitoring equipment, FAO aims to enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries to combat this harmful phenomenon.

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Today, a significant milestone was reached as the official handover ceremony took place, marking the transfer of field and laboratory equipment to the Ministry of Fisheries in Sopu. This comprehensive equipment package includes microscopes, laboratory testing supplies, and field survey equipment. With these resources, the Ministry of Fisheries will be able to conduct meticulous examinations and gather vital data on the specific macroalgae that serve as hosts to the ciguatoxin.

Ciguatera fish poisoning poses a severe threat to individuals who consume fish from marine habitats where the ciguatoxin is present. By bolstering the monitoring team's resources, the Ministry of Fisheries will be equipped to proactively monitor and identify potential areas affected by ciguatoxin. This strengthened capacity will enable the Ministry to promptly relay crucial information to the Ministry of Health and local communities, fostering swift action and ensuring public safety.

The program further supports the collection of community-based information on ciguatera poisoning occurrences, facilitating ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Fisheries and the Ministry of Health. By harnessing the power of combined expertise, these institutions aim to combat ciguatera fish poisoning more effectively and mitigate its impact on both human health and marine ecosystems.

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The handover ceremony was presided over by 'Isileli Aholelei, the FAO representative for Tonga. Dr. Tuikolongahau Halafihi, CEO of Fisheries, accepted the equipment on behalf of the Ministry, accompanied by Poasi Ngaluafe, Deputy CEO and Head of the Science Division, and members of the fisheries science and aquaculture team. Representing the Ministry of Health was Ms. Sela 'Akolo Fa'u.

This significant achievement highlights the collective commitment to combat ciguatera fish poisoning and protect the well-being of the population. The FAO, together with the Ministry of Fisheries and Ministry of Health, will continue to work hand in hand to ensure a safer and healthier future for Tonga's coastal communities.

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TONGA PARTICIPATES IN THE FOURTH MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE FAO AGREEMENT ON PORT STATES MEASURES AGREEMENT (MOP 4)

Press Release

Tonga PARTICIPATES IN THE FOURTH MEETING OF THE PARTIES TO THE FAO AGREEMENT ON PORT STATES MEASURES AGREEMENT (MOP 4)

[Nuku’alofa tonga, 16 - 18th May 2023] – Tonga, a committed Party to the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA), showcased its dedication to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing at the Fourth Meeting of the Parties (MOP 4) held in Bali, Indonesia from 8th to 12th May, 2023. The event, hosted by the Government of Indonesia, brought together representatives from 57 Parties, 29 non-Party FAO Members, 11 international governmental organizations, and 6 international non-governmental organizations, fostering collaborative efforts in addressing IUU fishing.

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Tonga's participation in MOP 4 underscored its strong commitment to implementing the PSMA and contributing to global initiatives aimed at deterring and preventing IUU fishing. As a Small Islands Developing State, Tonga recognizes the significance of cooperative action in ensuring the future implementation of the Agreement and protecting marine resources.

 Tonga delegation

The Fourth Meeting of the Parties centered discussions on several key areas, including:

1. Progress and challenges in the implementation of the Agreement by Parties.

2. The importance of information exchange and the Global Information Exchange System (GIES) for effective implementation.

3. The development of a strategy to enhance the effectiveness of the PSMA in preventing, deterring, and eliminating IUU fishing.

4. Monitoring the implementation of the Agreement.

5. A work program addressing the needs of Small Islands Developing States (SIDs).

A major milestone of the meeting was the adoption of the strategy titled "A Strategy to Improve the Effectiveness of the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter, and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing." This strategic framework will guide future actions and strengthen global cooperation in combating IUU fishing.

Tonga's delegation to MOP 4 included Mele T. Átuekaho, Deputy CEO of the Fisheries Compliance Division, and Losaline ‘Otukolo, Principal Fisheries Officer and Fisheries Compliance Officer. Their active participation allowed Tonga to contribute valuable interventions on the implementation of the PSMA within the country and highlight Tonga's collaborative efforts in the global fight against IUU fishing.

Looking ahead, the next Meeting of the Parties is scheduled to take place in Ecuador, South America, in 2025. This upcoming event will provide further opportunities for Tonga and other nations to share experiences, discuss progress, and reinforce collective actions against IUU fishing.

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Phone: +676 7401201