The Ministry of Fisheries conducted a five-day workshop on the 5th – 9th of September 2022 with technical supports from staff of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). Dr. Tuikolongahau Halafihi, CEO for Fisheries delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of this work and welcoming Ms Adele Dutilloy, Lianos Triantafillos and Kaasipo Teo from FFA, and Steve Hare from SPC. Assistance from FFA and SPC are much appreciated.

The purpose of this workshop was to review the NPOA (National Plan of Action for Sharks) Shark plan and finalize the revised Tuna plan where advisors from FFA & SPC conducted sessions on the context of these two plans.

The objectives of this workshop were as follows;

• To set objectives, understand the current status of the plans and to identify areas of improvement.

• Review science and technical sections, set objectives, identify implementation actions for achieving science and technical objectives.

• Review management and operational sections, set objectives, identify implementation actions for achieving management and operational objectives.

• Draft review plan (NPOA Shark) and finalized revised Tuna plan based on the discussions and decisions.

The outcome of the workshop was both Fisheries Management Plans were finalized and will soon be submitted for endorsement.

Issued by Ministry of Fisheries - Tonga