Government Fish Import Plan Faces Backlash in Parliament and Industry
A government proposal to temporarily boost Tonga’s local fish supply by importing catches from Chinese and Japanese fishing fleets has sparked strong opposition in Parliament—and now, from leaders of the domestic fishing industry.
The plan, announced during the 2025/26 budget debate, is intended as a stop-gap measure while three new long-line fishing vessels are being built in China with a $30 million in-kind grant. However, critics warn it could cause serious harm to Tonga’s already struggling local fisheries sector.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr ‘Aisake Eke confirmed that the government will own the new vessels, which are expected to be completed in about a year. In the meantime, the Ministry of Fisheries is negotiating with a Chinese company to import fish from Fiji, with the goal of reducing local prices to around $10 Pa’anga per kilogram.
But this initiative has drawn criticism from Members of Parliament, who questioned its legality, the lack of transparency, and the potential damage to local fishers. Tongatapu No. 3 MP Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni challenged the rationale behind bringing in foreign fish, asking: “Why would a vessel from Fiji want to suffer the same and waste money here? That’s why I asked if there’s any incentive given by the government.”
Industry Voices: ‘This Will Destroy Us’
Now, Tonga’s largest fishing operator, Pacific Sunrise Fishing, has added its voice to the concerns—warning that the government’s plan could devastate local businesses.
Company director Eddie Palu, who also serves as President of the Tonga National Fisheries Council, said the industry is already under pressure from declining fish stocks, unpredictable seasons, and rising costs.
“In my opinion, we will not be able to compete with subsidised vessels. We are honestly just covering costs right now, keeping 60 people employed, and paying our bills,” Palu said.
He said his company operates six longliners, though only two or three go out weekly due to limited local demand. Contrary to the government’s claims, Palu insists that the issue is not supply.
“The Minister’s claim of not enough fish available to the public is not valid. Our fish prices range from TOP6 to TOP35 per kg and are generally lower than meat cuts and imported salmon.”
He added that no consultation had been held with local industry stakeholders before the plan was announced.
“There have not been any discussions with the local Tuna Industry or the Tonga National Fisheries Council. I don’t think the Minister has been well advised.”
Palu also criticised the government’s handling of past fishing ventures, including the now-defunct FV Takuo, a US$6.5 million Japanese-donated tuna vessel, calling it a failed example of state-run operations. He warned the new fleet could become “another Lulutai episode”—referring to the troubled national airline.
Among his concerns:
- Wharf congestion and lack of mooring space,
- Insufficient cold storage facilities,
- Severe local crew shortages,
Loss of jobs if local operators shut down.
A Call for Collaboration, Not Competition
Rosemarie Palu, Eddie’s wife and co-owner of Pacific Sunrise Fishing, also expressed frustration at being left out of the discussion, despite her husband’s repeated attempts to meet with the Ministry of Fisheries and the Prime Minister.
She said the government’s focus on the price of swordfish, which sells at up to $35/kg, is misleading.
“Swordfish is our least caught fish, very low in numbers and highly sought after. The majority of our fish is sold locally at prices ranging from $6 to $26 per kg, but the government does not mention these,” she said.
She clarified that over 80% of their catch is sold domestically, with only a small portion exported. Despite being perceived as a monopoly, Rosemarie said the company is barely staying afloat.
“We are not making a handsome profit—we’re hanging in there by the skin of our teeth. No-one has come to ask us about our catch, our exports, or our costs.”
She also flagged logistical constraints, noting that the wharf is already crowded.
“We are banked four abreast here, alongside the foreign fleet and 20 or so snapper boats. I’m not sure where another five vessels could even go.”
Additionally, the company faces rising labour costs due to a shrinking local workforce.
“Everyone has gone fruit picking overseas. We now have to hire from abroad, with immigration fees in Tonga alone costing around $1,000 per person, plus airfares from Indonesia.”
A Sector at a Crossroads
As the government moves ahead with its plan to import fish from subsidised foreign fleets, Tonga’s domestic fishing industry stands at a critical juncture. While the initiative aims to address fish affordability and availability, key voices in the industry warn it could come at the cost of local livelihoods, jobs, and long-term sustainability.
Calls for greater consultation, infrastructure investment, and support for local operators are growing louder. Without meaningful engagement and transparency, the risk is not only the collapse of Tonga’s largest fishing business but a wider erosion of confidence in national economic planning.
What’s at stake is more than just the price of fish—it’s the future of an industry that feeds the nation, employs its people, and sustains coastal communities. The path forward must be shaped with care, collaboration, and a clear understanding of the realities on the water.
Tu’ifua Vailena
