Nuku’alofa, Tonga – In 2020, Frank Taufa, a Senior Fisheries Assistant with Tonga’s Ministry of Fisheries, embarked on a career-defining journey through the Certificate IV in Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Compliance training programme.
This initiative, supported by the European Union and the Government of Sweden through the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) component of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) programme, has played a pivotal role in advancing Taufa’s skills and strengthening sustainable fisheries management within Tongan communities.
The Certificate IV programme was an intensive, skill-focused course designed to deepen participants’ expertise in fisheries compliance, equipping them with the knowledge to address pressing challenges in coastal fisheries management and aquaculture compliance.
For Frank, this training represented an invaluable opportunity to build his professional capacity and to champion the sustainable use of marine resources in Tonga.
Throughout the rigorous programme, Frank engaged in comprehensive studies of compliance techniques, aquaculture regulations, and the socio-economic significance of fisheries for local communities.
The training solidified his understanding of the urgent need for responsible management to preserve marine resources for future generations. Armed with this expertise, Frank was empowered to make a profound impact on sustainable practices in his community.
Last year, Frank’s dedication was rewarded with a promotion to Grade 2 Technical Officer in the Compliance Division of Tonga’s Ministry of Fisheries. He attributes his career advancement to the skills and insights gained from the PEUMP training programme, which enabled him to confidently assume greater responsibilities and drive change within the fisheries sector.
In his new role, he played an instrumental in training fisheries officers across Tonga’s outer islands, including ‘Eua, Ha’apai, Vava’u, and Tongatapu. His training programmes emphasise the importance of adherence to fisheries regulations, sustainable fishing practices, and marine ecosystem preservation, equipping officers with the knowledge needed to enforce regulations and engage effectively with local communities.
Frank’s efforts extend beyond enforcement; he actively raises awareness among local fishermen and community members about sustainable fishing practices. Prior to each mullet seasonal ban, he and his team conduct educational sessions across various communities, explaining the rationale behind the bans to encourage compliance and support fish population recovery during breeding seasons.
He is also a vital contributor to the consultation group developing new catch-size regulations aimed at maintaining healthy fish stocks. His practical experience and field knowledge are instrumental in crafting policies that support the sustainable management of fisheries while remaining feasible for local fishers.
His journey from Senior Fisheries Assistant to Grade 2 Technical Officer is a testament to the transformative power of education and capacity building. Through the Certificate IV in Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Compliance programme, Frank has not only advanced his career but has also made a lasting contribution to the sustainable management of Tonga’s fisheries, helping ensure these vital resources endure for generations.
The University of the South Pacific is one of four principal partners implementing the EUR 45 million PEUMP Programme, an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable ocean governance, climate change resilience, and biodiversity conservation.
The PEUMP programme, funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden and housed within USP’s Institute of Marine Resources at the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS), integrates key issues related to ocean and coastal fisheries, community development, marine conservation, and capacity building across the Pacific region.
