Who is Tokelau's Fisheries Adviser Stan Crothers?

One individual who has been part of that group since 2010 is Tokelau’s fisheries adviser, Mr Stan Crothers. In this writer’s mind, Stan symbolises the hard-nosed yet unconditional love that fisheries officials have.

How much of Tokelau's income comes from fisheries?

Instead, an estimated 80% comes from fisheries revenue alone. With their fisheries income mostly unaffected by COVID-19 so far, the people of Tokelau have been living in pre-pandemic normal since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic on 11 March 2020 .

Does Tokelau rely on tourism?

Enoka Puni with myself and Vase Reupena enjoying a bounty of skipjack tuna caught only a few metres from Atafu’s reef in April 2018. Photo: Litara Reupena. But Tokelau is the exception. Its domestic economy does not rely on tourism. Instead, an estimated 80% comes from fisheries revenue alone.

How has Tokelau benefited from the PNA's vessel day scheme?

With Stan’s involvement, Tokelau was accepted into the PNA’s Vessel Day Scheme in 2012. The immediate impact of that association saw the annual fisheries revenue increase by 100%, from NZ$2.7 million to NZ$5.5 million in 2013. The revenue continued its upward growth, from 2016 plateauing at around NZ$20 million a year.

Why is Tokelau a 'atoll' country?

SC: Because Tokelau is a very low-lying ‘atoll’ country that, based on the current best available scientific information, is going to be devastated by the impacts of climate change. Not only is there a very real risk of losing our whole country, but our unique language and culture are also at risk.

Is the Tokelau EEZ fishery covered by the MSC certificate?

SC: Absolutely. As you know, the Tokelau EEZ fishery is currently covered by the PNA Marine Stewardship Council certificate. When Tokelau first joined the VDS we weren’t covered by the MSC certificate.