The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has completed support to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) Operation Rai Balang for 2024, working with Pacific partners to detect and deter illegal fishing activity in the region.
Through Operation Solania, ADF personnel contributed to the FFA’s coordinated maritime surveillance operation to detect activities such as illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing.
This iteration of Operation Solania had a dedicated Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J Spartan operate out of Vanuatu.
Working alongside the Vanuatu Police Force, the C-27J Spartan flew patrols that covered thousands of square kilometres of Vanuatu’s exclusive economic zone.
“IUU fishing degrades the livelihoods of legitimate fishing communities in the Pacific, while also threatening marine ecosystems,” said Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, Chief of Joint Operations.
“The ADF is proud to partner with the FFA, Pacific nations and members of the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordinating Group (Australia, the United States, New Zealand and France) in helping to combat IUU fishing activities. Our longstanding relationships, shared history, culture and values enable Australia and Pacific partners to work effectively and quickly to support shared priorities.”