A new Tonga business, Pacific Sunshine Fishing Brisbane has begun importing fish from Tonga to the Queensland market.

Tongan entrepreneur, Kristian Palu started the business to offer high-quality fish from Tonga to both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

The supply comes from Pacific Sunrise Fishing Tonga operated by Eddie and Rosemarie Palu at Tu‘imatamoana Wharf. They have been supplying Tonga and other countries including the USA, Japan and New Zealand for over 14 years. 

Palu said the seafood from Tonga differs in taste and quality to any other seafood available in the Australian market. 

“The seafood in Tonga tastes better. The water is cleaner. And unlike many parts of the world, there is little pollution in the Tongan waters and these fish are wild caught, not farmed. The species caught are Valu (Tuna), Hakulā puaka (Swordfish), Hakulā lā (Marlin), Mahimahi (Dolphinfish) and more.” 

He said, the new business is already proving popular with a rush of orders being received from local residents and restaurants. 

Our fish is from some of the most pristine waters in the world and caught by very experienced fishermen, said Palu. 

“I love that I have the opportunity to give people, especially those that are from the Kingdom, access to it. A lot of seafood is very expensive here in Australia, so offering good prices is something I will always maintain.”

Meanwhile, Brisbane Tongan Community treasurer, Mele Ngauamo, said a direct flight would open the door for bilateral trade and investments for other businesses with South-East Queensland. 

"We are excited to see yet another Tongan business starting up and creating jobs, in addition to our community enjoying the taste of home."

Palu too expressed his strong support for the direct flight because of its economic and logistical benefits. 

My business would benefit tremendously from a direct flight from Tonga to Brisbane. It means our fish wouldn’t have to stop over in other airports, such as Auckland and Sydney, which ensures the freshness of our product is maintained and greatly eliminates the amount of issues that can arise when importing and exporting, he said.

Pacific Sunrise Fishing Brisbane receives orders throughout the week with Sunday as the deadline for delivery on the next Wednesday flight from Tonga.