A state-of-the-art design for a new Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) was unveiled at the Pacific Island Forum Agency (FFA) headquarters in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on 25 October 2024.
The new Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre facility is designed to enhance maritime surveillance, and regional cooperation among FFA’s 17 members.
The RFSC serves as the coordination center for all FFA surveillance operations, assisting Members in monitoring the Pacific Ocean, which spans approximately 30 million square miles.
The facility comes equipped with advanced monitoring systems, which will also provide real-time Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), allowing quick and informed responses to maritime security threats. This includes, fighting Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Pacific.
The FFA Director-General, Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen said that this RFSC is a symbol of our unity.
“Whilst we recognize these amazing achievements, we always remember that what lies at the center of our work is our people. Always remembering why, we do what we do, and why we work together: Our People, Our Fisheries, Our Future.” she said.
The construction of the new RFSC is set to commence in 2025 and is expected to be completed over the next two years. The cost of building this facility is over USD $7.1 million (appx TOP $16.8 million).
The ceremony at the FFA Headquarters was attended by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon Jeremiah Manele, fisheries officials from the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC), and partners involved in the agency’s surveillance work.
