The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) is poised to begin the construction of a new $7.1 million (FJD 16 million) building complex that will accommodate its Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) next year. This state-of-the-art facility aims to bolster maritime surveillance and foster regional collaboration among FFA’s 17 member nations.
Equipped with cutting-edge monitoring systems, the RFSC will provide real-time Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) that will facilitate quick and informed responses to maritime security challenges while addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities in Pacific waters.
Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen, the FFA director-general, emphasized that the new centre epitomizes unity among member countries. “We are immensely proud of our collective achievements in establishing this centre and our leadership in tuna fisheries management and development. Serving from the Secretariat humbles us,” Dr. Tupou-Roosen remarked. He added that the focus of their endeavors is always on the people they serve, highlighting their motto: “Our People, Our Fisheries, Our Future.”
The RFSC will act as the central hub for all FFA surveillance operations, aiding member countries in monitoring the extensive Pacific Ocean, which covers roughly 30 million square miles. The ground-breaking ceremony took place in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on Friday, October 25, and construction is projected to be completed within the next two years.
The FFA plays a crucial role in helping its members sustainably manage fishery resources that are located within their 200-mile exclusive economic zones (EEZs), which will be further supported by this new facility.
This ambitious project is a positive step toward stronger maritime security and environmental stewardship in the Pacific, underscoring the importance of collaboration among countries for sustainable resource management in the face of global challenges.
Leave a comment