Ten Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) took part in Operation Tui Moana 2025 (OPTM25), a two-week regional operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across FFA Members’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and adjacent high seas areas within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) area.
The operation concluded with the successful participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A key highlight of OPTM25 involved the listing of nine vessels of interest (VOI), including one confirmed apprehension for suspected IUU fishing activities. A total of 76 fishing vessels were boarded – 30 in port and 46 at sea – with an additional 31 vessel sightings and 4937 satellite detections recorded.
FFA Officer in Charge of the Fisheries Operations Division, Jason Raubani, praised the collaborative efforts during OPTM25’s final briefing.
‘The success of OPTM25 highlights the continued strong regional cooperation that is in place, and the commitment to protecting the rights of Members and their valuable tuna resources,’ he said, noting that follow-up investigations are already underway, and emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum through national enforcement efforts and regional coordination.
Supporting the operation were the Pacific QUADs – Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States – along with key monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) partners.
A team of 29 national officers representing the participating Members, along with P-QUAD and partner personnel, were based at the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara throughout the operation. They coordinated real-time surveillance and intelligence efforts, directing surface and aerial patrols across the region.
The RFSC team developed daily intelligence briefings using MCS tools and surveillance data, which were used to guide operations and inspections by national authorities and partner agencies.
The operation also reinforced cooperation under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement, allowing joint action across maritime boundaries and information sharing.
