Loading ...INDUSTRY INFORMATION –> Fishing
Fishing is a key contributor to the Tongan economy. It is also an important source of income and food for a significant portion of the population, and in view of this, the Government has replaced limits on foreign involvement in some aspects of fisheries. Schedule 1 of the Foreign Investment Regulations 2006 outlines those fishing activities that are reserved for Tongan subjects only, and includes:
- Reef fishing
- Inshore fishing within 12 nm (Zone C) in water less than 1000 meters
- Bottom fishing in water depth less than 500 meters.
Commercial fishing and aquaculture are also subject to resource management requirements. Tonga’s key marine resources include:
- Inshore
- reef finfish
- sea cucumber
- lobster
- giant clam
- pearl oyster
- seaweed
- coral
- export for the international aquarium market
- deepwater slope and bottom fish – snapper and grouper
- Offshore
- highly migratory pelagic species (tuna fishery)
Tonga is also a signatory to United Nation Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and claims a 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Relevant Contacts:
Fishing Export Association
President: Mr Bill Holden
Ph: (676) 22 768
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food & Forestry (see important links for details)
