National Anchored Fish Aggregating Device (aFAD) Management and Development Plan 2023-2028.

The National Anchored Fish Aggregating Device (aFAD) Management and Development Plan provides for an ecological and economical sustainable National FAD program to diversify fishing to enhance food security and improve livelihoods of Tongan people. This will be achieved through maximum FAD longevity and stability through the adoption of optimal designs and promotion of active FAD monitoring and maintenance programs. The purpose of this plan is to manage the sustainable development and implementation of Tonga's national FADs program. The National Anchored FAD Management Plan 2023-2028 applies to all anchored FADs deployed in the Kingdom of Tonga and the associated fisheries including the following: fishing for any fish species within 10km of an anchored FAD; vessels licensed to deploy FADS; vessels registered to fish at anchored FADs; vessels licensed to fish at anchored FADs if they sell their catch; and management and monitoring of catch and associated processing.