Coastal and internal fisheries waters (general)

Spearfishing (free-diving) is permitted as a small-scale/subsistence fishing method throughout Tonga's coastal waters (out to roughly the fringing reefs and the 12 nautical mile territorial sea), subject to national size limits, protected-species rules, the SCUBA prohibition, and exclusion from Special Management Areas where the diver is not a registered community member.

Free-diving only (no SCUBA without Ministry exemption); national species size limits apply; protected/no-take species may not be taken; must not enter another community's SMA or any Fish Habitat Reserve.