Ecology of Fanga'uta Lagoon, Tongatapu, Tonga

摘要

Fanga'uta Lagoon is a shallow, almost enclosed embayment located on the northern coastline of Tongatapu, the largest island in the kingdom of Tonga. For many centuries the lagoon supported an important mullet fishery but catches have declined during the past two decades causing widespread concern. The lagoon was therefore closed to commercial fishing in 1975 but was reopened in 1981. Tongan planners needed information on Fanga'uta Lagoon for its management. A survey was conducted jointly by the University of Hawaii and the University of the South Pacific under the auspices of the International Sea Grant Program to fill this need. Specifically, the objectives were: (1) to characterize the circulation, hydrology, water chemistry, and productivity of the lagoon as well as describe its biota; (2) to evaluate the decline in fisheries; and (3) to recommend management procedures.