Economic Issues in the Fisheries Sector of Tonga

Abstract

There are certain characteristics of island economies that are considered hindrances to their development. For example, island economies often lack the economies of scale necessary for enhanced economic development and are too remotely located from the worlds major international financial and trading centres to fully exploit the marketing and trading opportunities that are available. However, for island economies in the South Pacific, the sea also offers great opportunities for sustained economic development. The relative abundance and accessibility of fisheries resources means that if these resources are properly managed and exploited, island economies have much potential for social and economic development. At the same time, the sea provides a significant means of basic livelihood for many rural communities in these Island countries. A major and enduring challenge is therefore to ensure that island economies in the South Pacific utilise their sea resources for social and economic development without jeopardising their communities basic livelihoods.