Community Information Pamphlet (Tonga)

Abstract

Traditionally, the people of Tonga have had the freedom to harvest resources from the sea without any restrictions as the sea belongs to the Crown in Tongan Law. In the past there was no need to control the harvest of these resources as the population was low and the fishing technology rudimentary. It is now clear that in some parts of Tonga some species have been overfished. Some notable examples in Tonga would be Giant Clams, Sea Cucumbers and Mullet. Many Tongan Communities rely on the products of the sea for their sustenance, both for food and income. If Tongans are to continue to benefit from the produce of the sea we must use these resources with care.