
Gleaning is the collection of marine invertebrates within the intertidal mudflats for subsistence and small domestic markets. Gleaning is conducted mainly by women in Tonga, providing not just food source but economic support, social engagement and recreation. Women rarely are alone in the gleaning areas and often share and trade species as they glean. These…

2021 was an intense year for the VEPA board and team, achieving many goals and highlights through the year. We know that vast challenges still lay ahead and that no one year will provide a solution however every small step taken is one step closer. We are as always very thankful to our funding and…

Up until the 1990’s, ocean areas within Tonga were declared as open access for all Tongans, in the hopes of allowing everyone equal and fair sharing of its resources. Over the years this caused a serious downfall in the status and health of the marine habitats, fish and invertebrate resources, that the communities heavily rely…