Fishing Industry Association of Tonga

 

FIAT is an Umbrella Organisation that evolved in 2007 from the Tonga Exports Fisheries Association (TEFA) itself created in 1996. Download the member tree

FIAT publishes a Bi-Monthly Bulletin, Fish Tales. Download the July 2010 issue, the August-September 2010 issue and the October-December 2010 issue. Download the Tongan version, Tau Talanoa Ika Kuata 4 (last quarter of 2010). Download the January-February 2011 issue.

Vision

A Sustainable, Dynamic, Equitable, Accountable and well-informed fishing industry!

Mission

The Fishing Industry Association of Tonga (FIAT) will be the leading vehicle for private sector development of the fishing industry at all levels.
Through:

• Creating transparent partnerships with government and all stakeholders
• Creating an enabling environment that will allow the fishing industry to grow and contribute to the local economy
• Creating a unified forum for all industry stakeholders to be involved

FIAT's Statement on Sustainability

In order to ensure a sustainable harvest there are certain factors and practices that must be considered in order to determine how to define a reasonable approach to sustainability.

• Determine what is the size and scope of the collection area
• If the area is overlapping with other collectors/harvesters determine how many and the size of their demand

• Determine the maximum demand for products desired from that area industry wide
• Organize a resource assessment study carried out by a qualified biological/scientific organization experienced in analysing marine resources
• Establish a collection area management plan
• Establish a quota based on the result of the study and suggested by the scientist involved in the study

 

STRATEGIC GOALS:

Goal 1: Strengthen FIAT's relationship with industry, government and stakeholders

FIAT recognizes the importance of working with Government in the development of the fishing industry. The most crucial of these is Public-Private Partnership (PPP), which is advocated in the Pacific Plan and various donors’ strategic plans as key to the overall economic development of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs).

Goal 2: To have a trained and skilled fishing industry work force

One of the constraints that the industry faces is the lack of a skilled and trained workforce. The future of the industry is dependent on investment in training and education, and the ability of the industry to attract and retain skilled workforce.

Goal 3: To develop the marketing capacity of the industry

There are clear opportunities for growth and innovation in this sector. FIAT will work with government to counter the trade deficit and improve overall health of the Tongan population through import substitution. It is possible to add value to local seafood products through innovations and technology available today.

Goal 4: To lower the cost of doing business

The industry has had to combat many misconceptions that have existed for a long time, which have caused much disruption to its ability to operate more profitably. One of this is the notion that industry operators earn a significant amount of money, but too often the amount of initial, ongoing investments, operating and shipping costs are overlooked and therefore can result in minimal returns and an uneven playing field. The cost in time taken to conduct business can also be extremely high. Research into the simplification of processes to improve overall efficiency will be another key activity, especially in the consideration of
smaller individual operators.

Goal 5: Strengthen FIAT public relations

There are opportunities to improve public understanding and support for the industry by raising the profile and promoting the sector as a viable career. This can be achieved by developing a communications plan to promote a positive and consistent national message, and a coordinated approach to industry representation with the Government, media, and other agencies.

Contact details

P.O Box 1704
C/O: Tonga Chamber of Commerce
Nuku’alofa
Kingdom of Tonga
Phone: 676-28-867
Fax: 676-63-117
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it