Nabilah S
The Ministry of Fisheries recently completed a week-long training for its staff, focusing on the use of e-technology to enhance its data collection and management systems. This initiative is aimed at improving the effectiveness of fisheries management by providing the critical information needed to assess stock statuses, evaluate ecosystem impacts, and develop sustainable management practices.
The Tonga National Observer Program (TNOP) is instrumental in collecting data from offshore fisheries, playing a significant role in the sustainable management of Tonga’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the wider region. To bolster this program, the Ministry of Fisheries is concentrating on enhancing observer capabilities through the integration of advanced technologies.
The Ministry is dedicated to harnessing emerging technologies to refine data collection processes. A key component of this effort is the implementation of an Electronic Reporting (ER) Program, which is designed to streamline and improve the data collection process. The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) has been testing various ER tools and applications
to support its member countries, including Tonga.
Tonga’s national Electronic Reporting (ER) program encompasses both Onboard and Onshore applications, enabling fishing vessel captains to collect data while at sea and during the unloading of fish in port. The Ministry is also advancing its ER program by incorporating the Off-line Longline Observer (OLLO) application, specifically designed for fisheries observers.
Presently, 90% of senior observers are utilizing the OLLO application, while newly recruited observers, who have completed three to four trips, are in the process of transitioning from traditional paper forms to the OLLO system.
This forward-thinking approach positions Tonga as a leader in fisheries management, leveraging technology to promote sustainable practices and ensure effective resource management.
