The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) plans to initiate the construction of a new building complex valued at $7.1 million (approximately F16 million) next year. This facility will host the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) and is aimed at bolstering maritime surveillance and fostering cooperation among FFA’s 17 member countries.
Equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring technologies, the RFSC will provide real-time Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), enabling prompt and informed actions against maritime security challenges, particularly illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Pacific waters. Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen, the FFA’s director-general, expressed pride in the collaborative accomplishments of the member nations, highlighting that the new center symbolizes their unity and commitment to sustainable fisheries management.
In a statement, Dr. Tupou-Roosen emphasized that the agency’s efforts are centered around its people, asserting the mantra: “Our People, Our Fisheries, Our Future.” The RFSC will act as the central hub for surveillance operations, aiding member countries in monitoring the expansive Pacific Ocean, which covers around 30 million square miles.
The ground-breaking ceremony was conducted in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on October 25, with construction slated for completion within the following two years. The FFA plays a crucial role in assisting its members to manage the fisheries resources found within their 200-mile exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
This development is a significant step forward for regional collaboration and environmental stewardship, presenting an optimistic outlook for the sustainable management of the Pacific’s rich fisheries resources and the protection of marine ecosystems.
Summary: The FFA is building a new $7.1 million surveillance facility to enhance maritime security and cooperation among its member nations, addressing challenges like IUU fishing and supporting sustainable fisheries management in the expansive Pacific Ocean.
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