The Community Development and Advisory Section (CDAS) works with interested communities to improve the welfare of the people of Tonga through sustainable development and management of marine resources, with attention to remote and disadvantage communities. The Special Management Area (SMA) regime has been adopted by government as a better tool for fisheries management and conservation purposes. The main objective of the Section is to enhance the sustainable management and utilization of inshore marine resources in SMA communities. These include:

• To develop an Special Management Area (SMA) Network in Tonga
• To enhance public education and awareness
• To enhance livelihood diversification activities for coastal communities
• Monitoring and evaluation of SMA progress