In accordance with Cabinet Memorandum Number 716 of 22 July 2015, the Ministries responsible for lands and natural resources, environment, fisheries, ports and shipping, planning and urban management, tourism and international affairs are working in partnership with IUCN, VEPA and the Waitt Institute to develop and implement a marine spatial plan for all of Tongas waters.

The marine spatial plan will be developed with the goal of sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable use of ocean resources, for today and for future generations. It will support improved fisheries and preservation of traditional uses. The Initiative will consider climate change and focus on approaches that achieve climate resilience and climate smart marine management practices.

The marine spatial plan will include the following types of designations: community special management areas, general use management areas, sustainable use management areas, limited use areas, habitat protection areas, no-take marine reserves, and special and unique marine reserves.