Tonga National Strategy on aquatic biosecurity.

The Tonga National Strategy on Aquatic Biosecurity provides an overarching framework to manage biological risks in aquatic environments, with the core purpose of safeguarding human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the national economy. It aims to support the sustainable development of aquaculture and fisheries by ensuring that aquatic species remain healthy and free from diseases, pests, and invasive species, while also protecting Tonga’s highly biodiverse marine environment. The Strategy promotes a holistic and proactive approach, bringing together government agencies, industry actors, and other stakeholders to collectively manage biosecurity risks and support long‑term food security and income generation.
To achieve these objectives, the Strategy focuses on establishing robust biosecurity systems and risk management measures. This includes developing standardized protocols for the prevention, early detection, and control of aquatic diseases, pests, and invasive species, as well as strengthening quarantine and border controls to regulate the import and movement of aquatic organisms. It also promotes improved health management practices in aquaculture, ensuring that farming operations maintain high sanitary standards and reduce the risk of outbreaks. In parallel, the Strategy encourages the adoption of risk assessment and monitoring frameworks, enabling better identification and management of threats to aquatic resources.
The Strategy further emphasizes capacity building, coordination, and stakeholder engagement as key implementation pillars. It calls for strengthening institutional capacity within fisheries and biosecurity authorities, enhancing technical expertise, and improving inter‑agency collaboration across sectors such as fisheries, environment, customs, and agriculture. Additionally, it promotes awareness‑raising and cooperation with private sector actors, including seaweed farmers, fishers, and exporters, to ensure compliance with biosecurity measures. Through regional and international partnerships, as well as ongoing research and data collection, the Strategy seeks to support adaptive management and ensure that Tonga’s aquatic resources are protected and sustainably utilized over the long term.