The Federated States of Micronesia Government (FSM) has been supplied with equipment to strengthen its capabilities in electronic monitoring and fisheries surveillance.
Mathew Chigiyal, Deputy Director of National Oceanic Resources Management Authority (NORMA) of the FSM, on behalf of the FSM government, expressed deep appreciation for the support.
‘This equipment marks a significant step forward for NORMA’s capacity to monitor and enforce fisheries regulations in our EEZ. By further advancing our commitment to the Tuna Transparency Pledge, we aim to ensure that our fisheries are managed in a way that promotes transparency, sustainability, and accountability,’ he said.
‘We deeply value Australia and FFA’s steadfast commitment to building sustainable and transparent fisheries management in FSM.’
Allan Rahari, Director of Fisheries Operations for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), officially handed over this essential equipment to NORMA.
This assistance is aimed at enhancing NORMA’s Electronic Monitoring Data Review Centre (DRC) and strengthening their capacity to effectively monitor fishing vessels at sea.
‘This equipment will play an essential role in NORMA’s monitoring work to electronically monitor the activities of fishing vessels in FSM waters. It will also support the implementation of the FSM’s Tuna Transparency Pledge and contribute to the overall effort to combat IUU fishing in the Pacific region,’ Allan Rahari commented.
The equipment, made possible through financial assistance from the Australian Government via FFA, includes four state of the art electronic monitoring analysis workstations and a Starlink satellite internet system.
‘Australia is delighted to support this vital initiative to strengthen monitoring of longline fisheries. FSM is a regional leader in implementing electronic monitoring and we look forward to continuing our work with NORMA and FFA members on this important initiative,’ said Australian government official David Power, Senior Manager, Foreign Compliance Policy, reaffirming the commitment to foster cooperation in fisheries management.
This assistance is part of a broader initiative aimed at supporting FFA Members in achieving shared goals of sustainable development, capacity building in fisheries management, and strengthening monitoring, control, and surveillance efforts.
