The completion of one of Australia's largest aid programmes to Tonga, a $10 million pa'anga Fisheries Project, was marked with a special ceremony at the Ministry of Fisheries, Sopu, this afternoon, June 27.

The project was launched in January 2002 with the objective of improving the welfare of the people of Tonga through sustainable development and the management of living marine resources.

Since 2002 Fisheries Division buildings have been renovated, a management plan for commercial fisheries has been developed and a Vessel Monitoring System to monitor commercial fishing activities has been installed.

Under the project a media and computer technology capacity centre at the Ministry has been established, a fish market was built in Pangai, Ha'apai, and community training programs have been held.

Vulnerable

Because Tonga has open access fishing that is vulnerable to over exploitation of marine resources, the project has also introduced and developed skills to facilitate the coastal community ecosystem to prevent over exploitation of resources and rehabilitate marine resources.

Such community projects are being done in 'O'ua with regards to the rehabilitation of marine resources.

Australia

The Australian High Commissioner HE Dr Bruce Hunt said today that this was one of Australia's largest aid projects to Tonga in recent years, including the Tonga Solid Waste Management Project.

He said fisheries is a vital export sector for the Tongan economy but it faces many challenges, which includes the over exploitation of in shore and off shore resources and others.

As a result of this project the Fisheries has improved and developed strategic and management plans, staff underwent skill-training, construction of a fish market in Ha'apai as well as various small-scale training in long lining and others.

"The project is leaving a legacy to the Ministry of Fisheries to continue providing services to the community," he concluded.

The special ceremony at the Ministry of Fisheries office was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Hon. Lisiate 'Akolo.