Operation Kurukuru, a significant two-week initiative aimed at protecting the crucial marine resources of Pacific Island nations in the Western Central Pacific Ocean, concluded on Friday. The operation focused on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses a considerable threat to the economic stability and food security of these nations.
Carried out over an expansive area of approximately 21.3 million square kilometers, the operation was overseen by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). The FFA emphasized that this mission was vital in enhancing maritime security and promoting sustainable fisheries in the region.
Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen, the FFA director-general, highlighted the collaborative spirit and determination demonstrated by the Pacific Island nations during this operation. He noted that addressing IUU fishing directly contributes to protecting marine resources and securing the livelihoods of local communities.
The operation involved extensive surveillance, enforcement measures, and collaboration across 15 Pacific Island members, including Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and others, with support from the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group (Pacific QUADs). Active boardings at sea and in ports, coupled with advanced technology like satellite monitoring, played crucial roles in identifying potential violations.
Key objectives of Operation Kurukuru included enhancing surveillance capabilities, fostering regional cooperation, building enforcement capacity, and promoting sustainable fisheries management. More than 196 vessel contacts were reported, with 89 successful boardings and over 2000 detections from satellite scans. The FFA also identified eight vessels of interest for further investigation concerning potential non-compliance with regulations.
As part of its commitment to sustainable fisheries management, the FFA is also working on constructing a state-of-the-art Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC), with a groundbreaking ceremony held recently for the US$7.1 million facility. This center will further enhance regional cooperation and effectiveness in addressing maritime challenges.
In summary, Operation Kurukuru not only demonstrates the region’s collective commitment to protecting marine resources but also serves as a hopeful sign for the future of sustainable fishing in the Pacific, ensuring food security and economic resilience for its nations.
This proactive approach symbolizes a united front among Pacific nations, fostering lasting partnerships and reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices in preserving marine ecosystems for generations to come.
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