An additional 12 tuna fishing vessels will operate on Tonga’s high seas in 2013, reports Radio NZ.
Tonga's Minister of Fisheries, Sangster Saulala has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the operation of the 12 vessels.
Saulala said that, in 2012, nine fishing vessels operated in Tonga but there will be an increase to 21 in 2013.
He said the MOU will result in more than USD 154,000 injected into the local economy through the payment of license and registration; which will also help with the local employment.
It is understood the 12 fishing vessels are foreign owned operating under the agent of Tongan Mosese Fakatou and foreigner Richard Chen.
In another development, the Fishery Department will open a USD 574,000 laboratory next year, funded by the European Union.