he World Bank has provided a six-year, US$10 million grant to the Tongan Government for a project to support the work of the Ministry of Fisheries. The Halafonga Ki Ha Ngatai Tuúloa Tonga: Pathway to Sustainable Oceans (TongaFish Pathway) Project will run from July 2019 to 30 June 2025.  A further six-year phase may follow the initial project. 

Based on the Tonga Fisheries Sector Plan, it aims to strengthen sustainable management and development of selected commercial, aquaculture, and community fisheries. These are: offshore commercial fisheries, inshore commercial fisheries, aquaculture for Mabé pearl oysters and giant clams, and community-managed Special Management Areas (SMAs). Significant focus will be on training and capacity building for ministry staff, and SMA and aquaculture stakeholders. 

Anticipated outcomes include improved supervision of the sector, closed gender gaps, and food security. The project expects to positively impact the over 10,000 Tongans directly involved in fishing. 

There are four components: 

Component 1: Strengthening Fisheries Governance (National IDA US$0.4 million; Regional IDA US$1.71 million). To improve fisheries governance in Tonga’s tuna longline, deep-water snapper and inshore commercial fisheries through priority interventions, including licensing and registration, and implementing fishing rights frameworks. This will ensure that Tonga meets its regional and international obligations and commitments as well as improves compliance with Tonga’s domestic legislation. 

Component 2: Strengthening the Knowledge Base for Fisheries and Aquaculture (National IDA US$1.17 million; Regional IDA US$3.38 million). To improve fisheries science for informed management decision-making for three selected fisheries and two aquaculture species supported by the Project.

Component 3: Investing in Sustainable Fisheries Management and Development (National IDA US$1.22 million; Regional IDA US$0.5 million). To strengthen sustainable fisheries management and development of the selected fisheries. Currently, there is strong legislation for management of the tuna longline and deep-water snapper fisheries. However, an effective policy and regulatory framework to support aquaculture development, specifically for Mabé pearl and giant clam, does not yet exist nor is there an inshore commercial fishery management plan. 

Component 4: Supporting Effective Project Management (National IDA US$1.56 million; Regional IDA US$0.06 million). To ensure effective and efficient Project management by provisding needed resources for Project management, financial management, procurement, monitoring and evaluation, and safeguards. 

A Project Management Unit has been established as a new division of the Ministry, responsible for ensuring effective project governance according to World Bank requirements. Delivery of activities lies with the Ministry’s three operational divisions - the Science, Compliance, and Fishery Management Division. While primarily a Ministry of Fisheries project, there will be close engagement community stakeholders, and other government agencies, regional agencies, and development partners.