Tonga's government is hoping its new fishing policies will enable local people to buy more fish and help curb the epidemic of non-communicable diseases.
Photo: 123RF
All foreign fishing vessels licensed to fish in Tonga's waters must now unload their entire catch in Tonga's ports before export.
The Director of Tonga's Fisheries Department Vilimo Fakalolo said this meant some of their catch and also the bycatch which could not be sold overseas could be sold on the local market.
He said an exemption from duty and consumption taxes for all fish sold to the local market will help reduce retail prices.
"Practically at the moment the price of fish is very high at the local market.
"But that's what we are trying to hopefully find a way to reduce the price and also encourage the people to buy more fish rather than buying imported meat from overseas."
