A two-week long 'Operation Tui Moana', combating Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, to promote sustainable fisheries across the Pacific, closed today, 24 May 2024. The Tongan Royal Navy took part in the Operation that reported over 500 vessel contacts, using air, surface and remote-sensing platforms, with a total of 80 boardings in port and at sea. Ten vessels of interest were detected and reported to Members for further investigation.

It saw the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and its members; the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group (Pacific QUADs) and partners, safeguarding the invaluable marine resources of Pacific Island nations and the Western Central Pacific Ocean. The team leaders met at the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Operation Tui Moana was conducted in the combined area of the seven participating Members’ Economic Exclusion Zones (EEZ’s) and the adjacent high seas pockets in an area of operation (AO) approximately six million square kilometres, which is approximately the land mass of Australia.

Operation Tui Moana, placed an emphasis on boarding activities, cooperative surveillance engagements amongst FFA Members and the Pacific QUADs countries, ensuring Members complete enforcement actions to address IUU fishing and potential violations, and the use of remote sensing information to drive the intelligence-led operation.

“There were over 500 vessel contacts during the Operation using air, surface and remote-sensing platforms, with a total of 80 boardings in port and at sea.

“As part of the outcome of MDA analysis and inspections, there were 10 vessels of interest (VOI) detected and reported to Members for further investigation. Potential infringements include non-compliance with national controls and WCPFC conservation management measures,” the Operation reported.

Forum Fisheries Agency

The FFA Director General, Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen, said the FFA-led Operation Tui Moana, reinforced FFA's commitment to sustainable fisheries management and maritime security in the Pacific.

"This operation exemplifies the spirit of regional collaboration and determination among Pacific Island nations. By tackling IUU fishing head-on, we are not only preserving our marine resources but also securing the livelihoods and food security of our people."

Nine FFA Members participated, including Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu, alongside technology partners assets and personnel from the Pacific QUADs- Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States.