Combatting IUU fishing to promote sustainable fisheries across the Pacific is a key outcome of Operation Tui Moana 2024 (OPTM24), which has come to a close.
The two-week operation 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.
‘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,’ said FFA Director General, Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen.
‘Operation Tui Moana reinforces FFA’s commitment to sustainable fisheries management and maritime security in the Pacific.’
Nine FFA Members participated (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.
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.
As part of the outcome of MDA analysis and inspections, there were ten 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.
