National Coastal Fishery Management and Development Plan 2023 - 2026

TONGA National Coastal Fisheries Management and Development Plan 2023 – 2026 ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword ..........................................................................3 Definitions .........................................................................4 Abbreviations ....................................................................5 Part 1: Preliminary .............................................................6 1.1. Context and Purpose ...................................... 6 1.2. Vision ............................................................ 6 1.3. Mission ......................................................... 6 1.4. Scope ............................................................ 6 1.5. Goal .............................................................. 7 1.6. Development process ..................................... 7 1.7. Institutional, legal and policy framework ......... 8 1.8. Key Guiding Principles .................................... 8 Part 2: Authority and Roles .................................................9 Part 3: Commencement and review.....................................9 Part 4: Overview of the fishery ............................................9 Part 5: Objectives and strategies ...................................... 11 Part 6: Management measures ........................................ 13 Part 7: Compliance .......................................................... 18 Part 8: Implementation ................................................... 18 part 9: Monitoring and evaluation .................................... 18 Part 10: Appendix ........................................................... 19 fish size limits ................................................................. 31 A. Acanthuridae ......................................................... 31 B. Lethrinidae ............................................................ 32 D. Siganidae .............................................................. 35 E. Winged Pearl Oyster .................................................... 36 F. Sea Turtles (Fonu) ................................................... 36 G. Octopodidae (Feke) ............................................ 37 I. Ark Clams (Kaloa’a) .......................................... 38 3 FOREWORD Tonga is a small island developing state with limited land and natural resources. It is blessed with a vast ocean abundant with an array of fisheries resources. The marine environment plays a crucial role in providing food and supporting livelihood for the people of Tonga. Therefore, it is important to sustainably manage our coastal resources. This is the first Coastal Fisheries Management Plan developed for Tonga in order to manage and sustain the coastal resources. Because we are a small island nation, we have many coastal communities that rely on the coastal resources for subsistence and commercial purposes. The need to develop a coastal plan was driven from the Tonga National Fisheries Policy, Tonga Fisheries Sector Plan and “A new song for Coastal Fisheries-Pathways to Change - the Noumea Strategy”. It calls on Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) to implement integrated coastal resources management arrangements, drawing on strengths and traditions of community, district, provincial and national levels of government to achieve sustainable island life. Tonga’s Ministry of Fisheries continues to play the roles of managing fisheries under the Fisheries Management Act 2002 (the Act). The Act stipulates that the Secretary shall establish and keep under review plans for the conservation, management and sustainable utilization and development of fisheries within fisheries waters of the Kingdom. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand and the Pacific Community (SPC) for their technical guidance towards the development of this Plan. I also appreciate the financial assistances from the World Bank Project: Tonga Fish Pathway to Sustainable Ocean. Also, thanks to the Ministry of Fisheries staff and stakeholders who have put a lot of effort and time towards the preparation of this Plan. It is therefore my pleasure to present this Plan to the Government, the people of Tonga and to invite and urge all to use this plan to work together for the common good of the fishery and to the people of the Kingdom of Tonga. Minister for Fisheries Date 4 DEFINITIONS Small-fishing fisheries: is refer to: ✓ fishing for subsistence fisheries and small-scale commercial for the purpose of household consumption and sale or barter, (Also refer as artisanal fisheries). ✓ Fishing targeting finfish, octopus, lobster, sea cucumber, seaweed, clams and shellfish, tuna and nearshore pelagic species and invertebrates. ✓ Fishing techniques may involve diving (including spearfishing), hand lining, netting or gleaning (often by women), octopus fishing (a'afeke), drop lining and trolling. ✓ less than 12 m length with outboard engine or not ✓ Fishing inside the 12nm coastal waters ✓ small amount of capital and energy Small-scale fishers: ✓ means fishers undertaking small-scale fisheries activities under the small-scale fishing vessels Small-scale fishing vessels: ✓ Small-scale fishing vessels means vessels used for the purpose of subsistence fisheries and small-scale fisheries ✓ Fishing vessels less than 12m in length with an outboard engine or no engine ✓ Use for fishing within 12nm of territorial waters ✓ Involve in any fishing activities that include but not limited to diving (including spear fishing), hand lining, net fishing, reef gleaning, octopus fishing (a'afeke) trolling. ✓ Conduct fishing using relatively small amount of capital and energy Territorial water: the waters under the jurisdiction of a state, especially the part of the sea within a stated distance of the shore (12 nautical miles from low-water mark). Internal waters: waters on the side of the baseline of a territorial water that is facing toward the land Coastal water: The sea areas bordering the shoreline up to 6 nautical miles. 5 ABBREVIATIONS CROP Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific EEZ Economic Exclusive Zone FAD Fish Aggregating Device FAO Food Agriculture Organization FCD Fisheries Compliance Division FFA Forum Fisheries Agency FMDD Fisheries Management and Development Division FSD Fisheries Science Division LAF Legal Acquisition Findings MORC Ministry of Revenue and Custom MOU Memorandum of Understanding MPI Ministry for Primary Industries NFC National Fisheries Council PIDP Pacific Islands Development Program PICT Pacific Island Countries and Territories SMA Special Management Area SPC The Pacific Community SPREP South Pacific Regional Environment Programme TCFMDP Tonga Coastal Fisheries Management and Development Plan USP University of the South Pacific 6 PART 1: PRELIMINARY 1.1. Context and Purpose Tonga’s Coastal fishery effectively contributes to the economic development of the country, as well as the livelihoods of people in Tonga. People’s standards of living highly depends on coastal fisheries resources for food and income. Due to the increasing pressures from the external threats such as climate change, natural disasters and overpopulation, greater management of coastal fisheries in Tonga is required to ensure the long-term sustainability of these resources. This Coastal Fisheries Management and Development Plan 2023 – 2026 (the Plan) is the Ministry’s effort to conserve marine resources and ensure that coastal fisheries resources continue to play crucial role in society contributing to food security, as well as economic and social development. 1.2. Vision A healthy marine environment that maintains and supports sustainable and resilient coastal fisheries resources. This is underpinned by community-based fisheries management approaches that ensure food security and long- term ecological, social and economic benefits for the people of Tonga. 1.3. Mission The Ministry of Fisheries aims to promote accountability, co-management, evidence and community based fisheries management. 1.4. Scope The Tonga National Coastal Fisheries Management and Development Plan 2023-2026 applies to: a) any coastal fisheries resource found within the fishing areas from the intertidal zone to fringing reefs and coastal waters b) any fishing activities within that area that include, but are not limited to: i) net fishing ii) trolling, line and reef fishing 7 iii) spear fishing c) any fishers who harvest for personal consumption or sell any of their catch within Tonga territorial and internal fisheries waters d) any export of coastal fisheries resources for commercial or home consumption purposes 2. This Plan does not apply to the Marine Aquarium, Aquaculture, Sea cucumber, Deep-water Fishery and SMA management. 1.5. Goal An ecologically and economically sustainable coastal fishery, enhancing food security and livelihoods for all Tongans. 1.6. Development process The development of a new fisheries management plan is guided by the Fisheries Management Act 2002. According to that Act, the Ministry of Fisheries shall indicate the present state of the fishery, and if that fishery is exploited, then a management plan must be developed. 1. MoF draft Fisheries Management Plan 2. Conduct consultation with relevant stakeholders 3. MoF redraft the Fisheries management Plan 4. Validation Consultation 5. MoF Formal Approval 6. Implementation 7. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning 8. MoF Review porcess 8 1.7. Institutional, legal and policy framework The Ministry of Fisheries, in close collaboration with communities, are responsible for managing coastal fisheries resources, as directed from the Fisheries Management Act 2002, Fisheries Management & Conservation Regulations 2008 and Local Fishing Regulations 2009. That legislation states that a fishery management plan, prepared by the CEO for Fisheries, shall: • Identify the characteristics of the fishery, including current state of its exploitation • Specify the objectives to be achieved in the management of the fishery • Specify the management and development strategies and appropriate management measures to be adopted for the fishery • Specify the licensing regime to be applied including limitations, to be applied to local fishing operations and the amount of fishing. • Specify the information and data required to be provided by persons • Take into account relevant traditional fishing methods and practices including management systems and strategies. 1.8. Key Guiding Principles The development of this Plan will be guided by the following principles: • Consultative approach • ecosystem approach to fisheries • consultative approach • community-based approach1 1 Based on community collaboration and participation in managing, monitoring and maintaining fisheries resources, also empowerment of food security can occur, equitably managed of resources by ensuring that the fishery don’t end up with a select few benefits from resources, also CBM approach aims for a sustainable fishery, which is not driven by the overarching desire for profit, as a result the community will responsible for managing the fisheries resources, balance the needs for production and conservation with results in sustainability 9 PART 2: AUTHORITY AND ROLES The Minister of Fisheries, authorized by the Fisheries Management Act 2002, shall manage the fishery in cooperation with stakeholders and communities through a co-management approach. Co-management facilitates the sharing of information, promotion of voluntary compliance, and active engagement/participation to assist with monitoring the fishery as well as adopt the fisheries management plan. The Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for promoting conservation, management, sustainable utilization and development of fisheries resources in the Kingdom of Tonga, which includes its coastal fisheries resources. This plan also acknowledges different stakeholders within the fishery and Coastal Fisheries Management Committee and their respective roles in co-managing the fishery. PART 3: COMMENCEMENT AND REVIEW The Plan is effective from the date of endorsement by the Minister of Fisheries. There is an Annual Operational Plan, that is developed from this Plan’s priorities to designate the actions to be undertaken in that year. The progress of implementing this Plan shall be reported in the Annual Report of the Ministry of Fisheries. The mid-review of the Plan will take place in 2024 and any recommended amendments will be made and approved by CEO. The full review of the Plan will take place before the end of the plan in 2026. PART 4: OVERVIEW OF THE FISHERY The Kingdom of Tonga has 177 islands with total land area of 747 km2, and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of around 700,000km2, making the EEZ roughly one hundred times the size of land area with a total coastline of 429 km. The population of Tonga is increasing rapidly, coupled with an increasing rate of 10 unemployment. As such, most families resort to harvesting marine resources as a means to support their families, both financially and for daily consumption. Most households depend on coastal fisheries resources, despite the threats to these resources in Tonga. In areas close to urban centers, declining coastal fisheries resources are evident. The decline of coastal fisheries resources is intensified by unsustainable practices to compensate people’s income. This is ultimately leading to the collapse of important ecosystems. External threats to coastal fishery resources include: • Population growth; • Natural disasters (e.g., cyclones, volcanic eruptions); • Climate change (sea surface temperature rises and acidification); • Pollution; and • Coastal development and associated coastal runoff and siltation. Due to the threats mentioned above, recent assessment of fish stocks has indicated that Tonga can expect to experience significant shortfall in its coastal fish supply, if coastal fisheries are not managed well. The challenges in coastal fisheries in Tonga require multipronged management approaches where clear and enforceable fisheries rules and regulations are applied. The coastal fisheries sector needs to adapt and respond to these external pressures to mitigate their impacts as part of a broader policy response. In addition, recent surveys suggest that the coastal fisheries resources of Tonga are moderately to seriously overexploited, with significant declines in abundance of some species and decreases in size for others. The current exploitation of these ecosystems affects coastal fisheries sustainability, and this anthropogenic pressure requires urgent attention. In Tonga, coastal fisheries activities include net fishing, establishing fish fences, trolling, line fishing, spear fishing and hand gathering in the inter-tidal areas, lagoon, reefs and coastal waters for a wide range of species. The coastal fisheries resources are currently managed through an open access arrangement, meaning anyone can take fish for food, or for sale, and there are very few rules to control the fishing 11 that occurs. As such, the fishery is under significant pressure and some species such as mullet, turtle and giant clam are already overfished. Coastal fisheries resources are vital to our people, providing healthy food, supporting livelihoods and generating revenues for local communities and national economies. Both fish and invertebrate species form the basis of a Tongan diet, and pressures on these limited resources and coastal habitat can easily impact their sustainability and ecosystems. Coral reefs across Tonga are showing signs of stress such as bleaching, disease, and increased coral breakage. The fish biomass for these reefs is low in comparison to healthy sites across the South Pacific, and there is widespread evidence of a phase shift towards algal communities. Target fish species are decreasing in catch size which impacts not only these species but the food chains reliant on their presence. PART 5: OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES This plan contains six objectives supported by 20 strategies. It is intended that the effective implementation of the 20 strategies will contribute to achieving the five objectives and the overall goal of the plan. This table forms the key element of the plan. Objectives STRATEGIES 1. To ensure that coastal fisheries resources are sustainable, and all coastal fisheries activities have minimal impacts on the marine and coastal environments. Strategy 1.1: Ensure all small-scale vessels are registered and licensed Strategy 1.2: Enforce fishing gear control, species limitation and seasonal closure according to coastal communities’ regulations Strategy 1.3: Increase transparency on the information available for the state of stocks, licensing processes and management approaches. Strategy 1.4: Develop species specific management and development plans, prioritising endangered species. Strategy 1.5: Annually review Tonga Coastal Fisheries Management and Development Plan 2022-2025. 12 Strategy 1.6: Develop initiatives to support coastal fisheries resource management Strategy 1.7: Develop complementary sustainable livelihood initiatives 2. To maximize sustainable economic returns, and improve food security and livelihoods of the communities of Tonga from coastal fisheries. Strategy 2.1: Investigate and initiate market research (domestic and international) on fish markets to support the coastal communities Strategy 2.2: Encourage the establishment of fishing community councils Strategy 2.3: Collaborate with donors to establish fish markets in coastal communities Strategy 2.4: Undertake fishing associations and council’s capacity building Strategy 2.5: Improved coordination and sharing harvesting operators and market information to maximize prices and facilitate control 3. To strengthen the coastal fisheries resources monitoring programme, to collect fisheries information and valuable scientific knowledge on key species. Strategy 3.1: Expand resource assessment and monitoring activities to provide adequate information to inform fisheries management Strategy 3.2: Collaborate with CROP agencies (SPC, FFA, SPREP, USP, PIDP), FAO and universities to build Ministry’s knowledge 4. To build and develop the capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries to research, manage, Strategy 4.1: Implement capacity-building activities related to the development of management plan. Strategy 4.2: Strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries to monitor and enforce relevant management regimes 13 develop and monitor coastal fisheries resources. 5. To enhance the capacity of Tongan communities to respond effectively to climate change. Strategy 5.1: Conduct pre-feasibility studies on effects of Climate change impacts and adaptation Strategy 5.2 Raise awareness and build communities capacity to adapt to the impacts of climate change on coastal fisheries. 6. To enhance engagement and cooperative management of coastal fisheries resources Strategy 6.1: Regularly engage and communicate with MoF divisions Strategy 6.2: Continue collaboration and engagement with external stakeholder (line agencies, women’s groups, fishing associations, environmental groups, Community Fishing Committees) PART 6: MANAGEMENT MEASURES The following management measures are integrated in this Plan as specific controls to regulate impacts on coastal fisheries resources. 1. Licences and Permits: In order to monitor and control the fishery activities, the following licences or permits are required. 1.1 Licences for nets and small-scale fishing vessels 1.1.1 A valid license issued by the Ministry of Fishery is required for any person using nets to fish for a particular species (Kaloama and Ihe) Type of net Length of net License fee Kupenga Haó 300m $300.00 Kupenga Fakamohe 300m $300.00 Kupenga Kaloama 300m $100.00 Kupenga Ihe 300m $100.00 14 1.2 Export license for commercial purposes 1.2.1 A valid export license is required for any person who exports finfishes, sea urchin, sea hares or arch clams for commercial purposes. Exporting giant clam and trochus are prohibited. 1.2.2 The maximum number of export licenses is Six (6). Allocation of the export license to each island groups in Tonga is provided in the table below. Island groups Number of the export license Tongatapu 3 Vava’u 2 Ha’apai 1 ‘Eua 0 Niuatoputapu, Niuafo’ou 0 1.3 Export Permit for Home Consumption 1.3.1 No person shall export any coastal resources for home consumption through cargo and container unless through airplane passenger. 1.3.2 A valid export permit is required for any person who exports any coastal fisheries resources for home consumption. 2. Export limits for coastal fisheries resources. 2.1 Specific export limits and resource rent for coastal fisheries resources are provided in the table below: 15 Species common name Species Tonga name Commercial export limits (kgs/qrt) Home consumption export limits (kg/shipment) Resource Rent Sea urchin Tukumisi 50kgs/qrt 5kg/shipment $15 per kg (*1%) Sea hares Muli'one 50kg/qrt 10kg/shipment $15 per kg (*1%) Arch clams Kaloa'a 20kg/qrt 5kg/shipment $15 per kg (*1%) Finfishes Ika No limit 20kg person 2.2 Exporting of wild giant clam for commercial purposes or home consumption shall be prohibited. 3. Fishing Methods 3.1 Any person using any net must be beyond 100m of any SMA boundary. 3.2 No fish fence can be established within 200m of any SMA boundary. 4. Vessels, fishing gear and Fishers Registration 4.1 All small-scale fishing vessels used for subsistence and commercial fishing must be registered in the Ministry of Fisheries “Fishing Vessel Register”. 4.2 All cast nets must be registered in the “Ministry of Fisheries Cast Net Register”. 4.3 Any small-scale fishers undertaking commercial and subsistence fishing must be registered with the Ministry of Fisheries. 4.4 All fish fences must be 600m apart from each other. 5. Restrictions 5.1 No person shall take, possess, sell or purchase any mud crab (Scylla serrata) carrying eggs. 5.2 No person shall sell giant clam (Tridacna spp) and turtle meat locally without inspection and authorization by the Ministry. 16 5.3 No person shall trade more than 5 giant clam shells (Tridacna spp) internationally for souvenir purposes (upon provision of required documents to meet Legal Acquisition Findings – LAF). 5.4 No person shall take, possess, sell or purchase any loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricate) meat locally, during the open season, without inspection and authorization by the Ministry. 5.5 No person shall trade shells of turtles internationally for any purposes (unless prove to meet the LAF requirements and such) 5.6 No person can harvest wing pearl oyster from the wild without the authorization from the CEO, Ministry of Fisheries. 6. Species Size Limits Size limits are a management tool that regulates the catch of target species. Often such limits are set for a species of concern as a conservation measure and can be effective if set for the most commonly caught species within a fishery. Scientific names Tongan Name Size Limit (minimum) Acanthurus triostegus Manini 17cm Ctenochaetus striatus Pone 'uli 17cm Naso hexacanthus Ume atu 54cm Naso lituratus Ume lei 22cm Naso lopezi Ume atu 32cm Naso unicornis Ume/'Ume kaki 32cm Lethrinus xanthochilus Ngungutoa 43cm Lethrinus obsoletus Tanutanu 24cm Lethrinus nebulous Koango/'Ika hina 41cm 17 Lethrinus harak Tanutanu 22cm Lethrinus olivaceus Ngutukao/Ngutuloloa 43cm Hipposcarus longiceps Olomea 32cm Leptoscarus vaigiensis Ufu 21cm Scarus ghobban Hohomo 41cm Scarus globiceps Hohomo 29cm Scarus schlegeli Hohomo 26cm Bolbometopon muricatum Sikatoki 69cm Chlororus microrhinos Sikatoki 45cm Siganus argenteus Ma'ava 20cm Siganus fuscenscens Ma'ava 20cm Siganus vermiculatus Pongongo 25cm Siganus spinus oo 14cm Winged pearl oyster Tofe Siapani 20cm Turtle Olive ridley Green Loggerhead Hawksbill Leatherback 66cm 108cm 100cm 76cm No take Arch clams (kaloaá) Kaloaá 4.5cm Octopus Feke 60cm mudcrab Paka 12cm carapace 18 7. Closed Season 7.1 Sea urchin shall be prohibited for harvest from October – November. PART 7: COMPLIANCE Compliance includes monitoring, control, surveillance, and enforcement (MCS&E) activities undertaken by MOF. These activities ensure compliance with the management measures, using a balance between education and enforcement, and identifying potential risks. The Ministry’s Compliance Division will ensure compliance with all management measures. MoF will exercise their roles to monitor fishing activities, inspect vessels, and ensure compliance of license holders. In cases of non-compliant activity, MoF will follow a Standard Operating Procedure “TOHI FAKAHINOHINO ‘O E FOUNGA FAKAHOKO NGAUE KI HE TOUTAI TA’EFAKALAO Í HE TOUTAI MAMAHA” to improve behaviour and ensure compliance with this Plan. PART 8: IMPLEMENTATION The Implementation Plan was prepared in close collaboration with MOF’s Heads of Divisions. It provides a guide for MoF in the effective and timely implementation of this plan. It is subject to regular review to ensure the necessary attention and reallocation of resources for effective implementation. The Implementation Plan will outline activities/tasks, who is responsible for each activity, resources required, timeline and possible risks to delivery. PART 9: MONITORING AND EVALUATION Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is an important part of the successful implementation of this plan. It provides the opportunity to ensure that activities implemented are achieving the expected outcomes (monitoring) and answering the question of are we doing the right thing? (evaluation). 19 MOF has developed a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan based on the Implementation Plan and is used for the monitoring and evaluating the progress of implementing the Plan. PART 10: APPENDIX List of Appendices 1. Implementation Schedule 2. Fish Size limits APPENDIX 1 20 Objective Strategy Actions Performance Indicator Responsible Division Timeline 1. To ensure that the coastal fishery is sustainable, and all coastal fisheries activities have minimal impacts on the marine and coastal environments 1.1 Ensure all small scale vessels are registered and licensed. • Register all small-scale fishing vessels used for subsistence fishing • All small-scale fishing vessels used for commercial fishing must be licensed • Number of small scale fishing vessels registered. • Number of small scale fishing vessels licensed. FCD/Licensing Section Ongoing 1.2 Enforce fishing gear control, species limitation and seasonal closure according to coastal communities’ regulations. • Conduct educational programmes using awareness materials relevant to fishing gear control, species limitation and seasonal closure. • Develop Compliance plans, procedures and activities, and • Number of awareness materials on fishing gear control, species limitation and seasonal closure are developed. • A compliance plan is developed, FCD/Enforcement Section Ongoing TONGA COASTAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2023 – 2026 IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE APPENDIX 1 21 consistently execute them approved and implemented. 1.3 Increase transparency on the information available for the state of stocks, licensing processes and management approaches. • Develop, publish and translate reports on state of stocks, licensing processes and management approaches. • Conduct awareness programmes about state of stock, licensing processes and management approaches. • Number of reports published and translated • Number of pamphlets, posters developed and distributed • Number of awareness programmes conducted. FCD/Enforcement Section Annually 1.4 Develop species specific management and development plans prioritising endangered species. • Produce and implement species specific fisheries management plans including: Trochus • Number of management plan developed and approved FMDD/Planning Section Annually APPENDIX 1 22 Fish spawning aggregation • Conduct feasibility studies (resources and economic assessment) on a selection of species/fishery, including species covered by CITES. • Review management systems to aid stock recovery • Feasibility studies reports completed and approved. • Number of reports on reviewing of the management system to aid stock recovery 1.5 Annually review Tonga Coastal Fisheries Management and Development Plan 2023-2026 • Monitor the TCFMDP quarterly • Conduct mid-review of the TCFMDP beginning February 2024 • Conduct full-review of the TCFMDP beginning August 2026. • Number of performance reports submitted and approved. • Number of mid review report. • Number of Full review report. FMDD/Planning Section Annually APPENDIX 1 23 • Review report completed, submitted and approved. 1.6 Develop initiatives to support coastal fisheries resource management • Translocation of giant clams from high to low density sites • Construct, deploy and maintain coastal FADs • Number of translocation of giant clams each year. • Number of FADs deployed per year. FSD/Aquatic Biosecurity FSD/Inshore resources section Annually 1.7 Development of complementary sustainable livelihood initiatives • Evaluate, using cost benefit analysis, appropriate alternative sustainable livelihood activities that complement management • Identify value-added initiatives (post-harvest) • Number of cost benefit analysis reports completed • Number of value added initiatives implemented. FMDD/Economic Section APPENDIX 1 24 2. To maximize sustainable economic returns and improve food security and livelihoods of the communities of Tonga from coastal fisheries. 2.1 Investigate and initiate Market Research (Domestic and International) on fish markets to support the coastal communities. • Develop a market research plan • Trial the export of new marine products from coastal fisheries • Identify new markets for coastal fisheries products each year. • Number of market research plan approved. • Number of new marine products trial for export. • Number of domestic/internatio nal market report submitted. • Number of new markets identified for coastal fisheries products each year • Domestic/Internatio nal market report submitted to HOD FMDD/Economic Section Annually 2.2 Encourage the establishment of fishing community councils • Support the fishing councils and associations • Number of community fishing council established FMDD/Economic Section Annually APPENDIX 1 25 and supported per year. 2.3 Collaborate with donors and communities councils to establish fish markets in coastal communities • Build fish markets in coastal communities. • Number of fish market established per year. 2.4 Undertake fishing associations and council’s capacity building • Conduct marketing trainings • Facilitate women fish processors and traders’ associations to access micro-credit financial schemes. • Provide support to stakeholders to access the micro-credit options /funds • Number of training conducted per year. • Number of association established at the national, district and community levels. • Amount of credit made available to micro-credit from government sources FMDD/Economic Section Annually APPENDIX 1 26 2.5 Improved coordination and sharing harvesting operators and market information to maximize prices and facilitate control ▪ Develop market value reports or market chain value assessments for harvesters • Number of market value reports or market chain-value assessments for harvesters FMDD/Economic Section Annually 3. To strengthen the coastal fisheries resources monitoring programme, to collect fisheries information and valuable scientific knowledge on key species. 3.1 Expand resource assessment and monitoring activities to provide adequate information to inform fisheries management • Conduct resources assessment on key targeted species • Develop a Non Detriment Findings (NDF) for CITES -listed species wild population • Conduct population study for coastal species under the CITES listed species • Conduct periodic surveys (Creel/Market/socio economic) • Number of resource assessment conducted. • Number of population study conducted. • Number of survey completed. • Number of database set up. • Number of simplified and robust collection schemes established FSD/Inshore Resources Section FSD/Aquatic Biosecurity FSD/Inshore Resources section Annually APPENDIX 1 27 • Improve data storage and management (databases) • Improve data collection systems for inshore fisheries (Catch return forms, logbooks) 3.2 Collaboration with CROP agencies (SPC, FFA, SPREP, USP, PIDP), FAO and universities to build Ministry’s knowledge • Establish training /working programs on specific areas, including fisheries surveys design, data collection and analysis (scientific, social and economic), fisheries management and policies development and fisheries statistics. • Develop partnership strategies with key agencies including NGOs and other stakeholders • Number of collaborative programs undertaken • Number of MOU established • Data sharing agreement or MOU specific to this action developed. FSD/Inshore resources section, FMDD Annually APPENDIX 1 28 • Improve data collection and sharing by and between MoF and MORC 4. To build and develop the capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries to research, manage, develop and monitor coastal fisheries resources 4.1 Implement capacity-building activities related to the development of management plans. • Carryout need assessment for Staff • Complete activities to better understand management approaches for coastal fisheries. • Need assessment report submitted per year • Number of capacity building activities developed for staffs. FMDD/Planning Section FMDD/Planning Section Annually 4.2 Strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Fisheries to monitor and enforce relevant management regimes. • Develop training needs analysis (with priorities) • Source or identify programmes to build appropriate skills with in the division • Implement effective enforcement protocols and procedures. • Number of training developed and conducted. • Number of training sessions conducted. • Number of staff receiving training on enforcement protocols and procedures. FMDD/Planning Section / Compliance (Enforcement) Annually APPENDIX 1 29 5. To enhance the capacity of Tongan communities to respond effectively to climate change. 5.1 Conduct pre feasibility studies on effects of climate change impacts and adaptation • Develop climate change information packages in relation to coastal fisheries • Number of information package complete and widely distributed. FMDD/Planning Section Annually 5.2 Raise awareness and build communities capacity to adapt to the impact of climate change on coastal fisheries • Implement community adaptation programme • Collaboration with national, regional partners and donors in implementing climate change adaptation activities • Conduct public awareness and education • At least one adaptation programme initiated in communities • Number of collaborations with international partners. • Number of awareness and training programs produced and released out to the coastal communities. FMDD/Planning and Policy Section APPENDIX 1 30 6. To enhance engagement and cooperative management of coastal fisheries resources Strategy 6.1: Regularly engage and communicate with MoF divisions • Hold information sharing meetings with divisions quarterly • Number of informal meetings conducted FMDD Strategy 6.2: Continue collaboration and engagement with external stakeholder (line agencies, women’s groups, fishing associations, environmental groups, community fishing committees) • Conduct informal meetings with Community Fishing Committees • Utilized quarterly bulletin to collaborate with line agencies and ministries. • Number of information sharing meetings conducted • Number of quarterly bulletins shared. FMDD/FCD/FSD APPENDIX II 31 FISH SIZE LIMITS A. Acanthuridae Acanthurid species are surgeonfish, tangs or unicornfish, and are commonly caught in Tonga’s fisheries. These fish are herbivorous on coral reefs, with different species grazing both surface algae and macrolgaes. Their role in the ecosystem, along with other herbivorous reef fish, maintains coral health against increasing algal coverage. Below are the size limits for the selected Acanthurid species with Tongan names included. APPENDIX II 32 B. Lethrinidae Lethrinidae is the family of emperors and bream, important predators in inshore habitats and coral reefs. Species in this family are diverse in Tonga’s fisheries, and target species are very common. They feed on mostly invertebrates and small fish, but are important to maintaining balance of their prey species in the ecosystem as well as controlling invertebrate populations. Below are proposed size limits for the selected Lethrinid species. Local names are included, with one species absent of a Tongan name. APPENDIX II 33 C. Scaridae The Scarids are the parrotfishes, very important herbivores to the ecology of coral reefs. Parrotfish form the basis of herbivore dynamics in their habitat, browsing on the majority of algae that compete with corals in their environment. Below are proposed size limits APPENDIX II 34 APPENDIX II 35 D. Siganidae Siganid species are known as rabbitfish or spinefoots, and are commonly caught in Tonga’s fisheries. These species are very common in Tonga’s fisheries, but are being harvested at sizes too small for individuals to reproduce. Below are the proposed size limit with the Tongan names. APPENDIX II 36 E. Winged Pearl Oyster F. Sea Turtles (Fonu) All turtle species are listed in CITES Appendix 1 prohibiting international trade in specimens or parts of these species. Currently, Tonga allows for male turtles of all species, except for the Leatherback turtle (Fonu-leta), to be caught domestically provided their carapace length is above 45cm. However, there is new size limit proposed on the table below for each species. Sea Turtle Species Length APPENDIX II 37 Olive Ridley Ln= 66cm Green Ln= 108 cm Loggorhead Ln= 100cm Hawksbill Ln=76cm Leatherback No take G. Octopodidae (Feke) There are numerous octopus species inhabiting Tonga’s inshore habitats. The three most common species reported are Octopus cyanea (big blue octopus, day octopus) which can grow to 80cm from the top of the head to the tips of the legs when outstretched as in the figure below. H. Mud Crabs (Tolitoli) 4.1.Scylla Species in the genus Scylla are commonly known as mud crabs and are found across the Indo-Pacific. There are four known species of which Scylla serrata (Giant mud crab) is the most common. APPENDIX II 38 12 cm carapace I. Ark Clams (Kaloa’a) Ark clams are a family of bivalves which represent an important food stock for coastal communities. Anadara antiquata or Kaloa’a, is commonly harvested for both subsistence and commercial purposes, but this fishery represents a major food source during poor weather when it is difficult to catch fish, particularly during the storm season. As such the size limit is suggested below. APPENDIX II 39