A project to strengthen sustainable management and recover selected commercial, aquaculture, and community fisheries in Tonga, funded by the World Bank was launched on 2 July in Neiafu, Vava’u.

The ‘Halafononga ki ha Ngātai Tuúloa Tonga: Pathway to Sustainable Oceans Project’ will benefit more than 10,000 people in over 40 coastal communities.

The launch was attended by World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, Madame Victoria Kwakwa, visiting Tonga with a delegation of senior World Bank officials, Minister for Fisheries Hon Semisi Fakahau, Fisheries CEO Dr Tu‘ikolongahau Halafihi, and fisheries sector stakeholders.

The event involved a formal ceremony, followed by a boat excursion to view Mabé pearl farms and Special Management Areas in ‘Utungake and ‘Utulei.

The six-year program, involving USD$10 million of World Bank funding, supports achievement of the Tonga Fisheries Sector Plan long-term goals to strengthen and develop selected fisheries.

These include offshore commercial fisheries (tuna longline and deepwater snapper), inshore commercial fisheries, aquaculture for Mabé pearl oysters (Pteria penguin) and giant clams (Tridacna spp.), and community managed Special Management Areas (SMAs).

The expected outcomes include an efficiently supervised sector, increased women and youth participation, and food security.

“Healthy, sustainable fisheries and marine environments are critical to life here in Tonga, delivering positive economic, social and environmental outcomes, including for women, by promoting female involvement in decision making around fisheries management,” said Madame Kwakwa.

A major component of the project will focus on training and capacity building for Fisheries Ministry staff, and SMA and aquaculture stakeholders.

Minister for Fisheries Hon. Fakahau said the World Bank’s generous support will be the main means to empower staff in close collaboration with other line ministries and development partners. It will also assist capacity development in the fisheries sector to reach the effective management of sustainable fisheries throughout the country by year 2024.