The Tu'imatamoana Fish Market has been certified to export high quality seafood, achieving the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification. The export facility had remained largely unused since the COVID-19 pandemic and significant improvements were required for certification.
The HACCP certification will allow fishers supplying high-value export species, such as red snapper, to access overseas markets. HACCP certification provides international buyers with confidence that fish products are processed under a recognised food safety system. This is particularly important for access to the United States, where food safety compliance is a key requirement for seafood imports.
Local food safety consultants from Quality Solutions worked closely with the Ministry of Fisheries (MoF) to meet the international standards. HACCP training was delivered to both MoF staff and fishermen. The consultants assisted the Ministry to go through the external audit, close audit findings, and coordinate with the certification body to achieve certification.
The certification strengthens Tonga's reputation as a supplier of safe and high-quality seafood products, improves export competitiveness, enhances buyer confidence, and supports opportunities for increased export volumes and future value-addition. It also contributes to job creation with more vessels going out to sea, safer seafood for the local market as well, and increased economic activity to reduce the trade deficit.
The fish market infrastructure can generate higher returns, improving returns on investment for government, therefore a catalyst for economic growth, food security, and the improvement of fishers' and their families' livelihoods.
