Photo: 123rf.com
The Tongan government is providing access to discounted fish to the public in an effort to promote healthier lifestyles.
The Ministry of Fisheries is selling fresh fish in Nuku'alofa for as low as two and a half pa'anga, or $US1.12 per kilogramme.
CEO Tu'ikolongahau Halafihi said the initiative aimed to ensure affordable and healthy food was available.
Dr Halafihi said the six tonnes of fish were part of a 45 tonne catch from a Taiwanese operator and came under an agreement to provide part of their catch to be sold locally.
"They have to offload all their catches here in Tonga and part of the catch will be exported and part will be sold at a local market. The portion that they have to sell at the local market, we agreed one of their vessels will sell their portion at a lower price," he said.
Tu'ikolongahau Halafihi said local fishermen were happy with the arrangement but Radio Tonga reported they did not want their prices to be reduced.
