Vuna Road, Sopu
Tongatapu, Tonga

Order

Experts from FAO, FFA and participants of the workshop discussed and identified legal and policy actions, institutional and capacity development and MCS operational issues relating to implementing of the agreement. They also had the opportunity to discuss strengths, gaps and constraints, actions to address the gaps and priorities and strategies for moving forward.

Minister for Agriculture and Food, Forest and Fisheries,  Honourable Semisi Fakahau, in his opening address thanked FAO and FFA for their financial and technical support and expressed the commitment of the Government of Tonga in taking steps towards protecting Tonga’s marine resources and preventing or deterring actions that can undermine the effectiveness of the pertinent management and conservation measures.

Dr. Tuikolongahau Halafihi, CEO for the Ministry of Fisheries expressed gratitude towards FAO and FFA for agreeing to conduct the Workshop which will contribute to the Government’s commitment to fight IUU fishing. He stressed the importance of an inclusive inter-agency approach to implementing Port State Measures.