Tuna fishery

Tonga’s priorities include important commercial species of tuna including albacore, bigeye yellowfin and skipjack.

Fakahau told the Commission the recent drop in catch rates in the albacore fishery in Tonga’s national waters has hampered the local fishing industry, affecting exports and the amount of fish available for local consumption.

Five observers have died or been murdered at sea in the past 6 years while providing regional scientists and compliance officials with the information they need to ensure the sustainability of tuna stocks.

The new measures were nearly lost as Japan refused to join the consensus, despite a week of talks.

As discussions hit barriers late on Friday, members were ready to take an unprecedented move and put the issue to vote.