Responsible Cruising Respect local ecosystems Tonga has introduced marine reserves (SMAs and FHRs) to encourage conservation and village-only fishing areas. Special Management Areas (SMA): NO fishing allowed and fees for anchoring, snorkelling may be charged by the Village. Fish Habitat Reserves (FHR): NO anchoring, NO fishing. See SMA/FHR page 4 for chart links. Whaleswim/watch: protected industry for your protection as well as the whales protection. Go with a trained/licenced operators, human vs Whale… you will lose everytime!! Don’t be a dick!!! $10,000 fine   Anchorages and mooring fields Speed limit in Neiafu Bay is 5 KNOTS. You are responsible for your wake. Be aware of swimmers, spear fishermen, and pearl farms.   Tongans spear fish, hunt for sea cucumbers and tend pearl farms in anchorages and mooring fields DAY and NIGHT. At night they MAY use flashlights.   Anchor only in sandy bottoms and float your chain to protect coral. Damaged coral takes upto 75 years to regrow: don’t be a dick. Tahiti is now anti yachts because of damage to coral and loss of fish… be respectful of someone’s backyard.   Do not empty holding tanks close to a village!   Return rubbish to town, do not throw in the bush, overboard. Remove any fishing net, lines, plastic you find in the water – save the sea life and stop micro plastics entering the food chain   www.vavau.to/biosecurityinvasivespecies.jpg   Respect cultural traditions Sundays are a day of rest, quiet day – no noise, no exercise (swim, run, bike). Go for a walk, eat, and rest . Trade or barter for fish, fruit, and vegetables. School supplies are a priority trade item. Do NOT trade alcohol. Most villages are dry by choice. Respect the village traditions, history and culture.   Show interest in the village and people. You might learn something.   Absolutely no nudity – on your yacht, swimming etc. People can probably see you and may call the Police as it is illegal and offensive.   Marpol 73/78 Convention 1978 Tonga enacted “Marine Pollution Prevention Act” in 2020. It applies to ALL vessels in Tongan waters and enforces Marpol 73/78 as a result.   Holding tanks for raw sewage, dumped at least 3 miles offshore, or pumped at an approved station. No rubbish dumping or oil dumping at sea. Do not fly drones over villages, without permission, especially Sundays.