Operation Island Chief 2024 (OPIC24) concluded this week after conducting over 353 vessel contacts aimed at monitoring and ensuring sustainable fisheries in the Pacific region. Eight vessels of interest (VOIs) were flagged for potentially violating sustainable fishing regulations.
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) reported that these VOIs were identified through Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) analysis and inspections for possible infringements relating to national guidelines and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) conservation measures.
The operation emphasized extensive surveillance to protect marine resources within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of FFA member countries and adjacent areas of the Western Central Pacific Ocean. During OPIC24, a total of 153 inspections were performed both in port and at sea, supported by 206 aircraft sightings and 1,146 satellite detections.
This 12-day joint initiative involved partners such as FFA members and the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group (Pacific QUADs), spanning a combined area of approximately 18.2 million square kilometers across the EEZs of 11 participating nations.
FFA director-general Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen highlighted the operation’s significance in promoting sustainable fisheries management and regional maritime security. “This operation exemplifies the spirit of regional collaboration and determination among Pacific Island nations,” Dr. Tupou-Roosen stated, emphasizing the importance of proper vessel compliance checks for the livelihoods and food security of Pacific communities.
The 13 FFA members involved in OPIC24 included Australia, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. They were assisted by technology partners from the Pacific QUADs: Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States.
Key activities during OPIC24 focused on boarding operations, collaborative surveillance efforts among FFA members and Pacific QUAD nations, and leveraging remote sensing information from the governments of Canada, the US, and New Zealand to enhance their intelligence-driven operation.
Ahead of the operation, the FFA Secretariat conducted capability enhancement training from July 29 to August 2 for 25 secondees from various agencies, including the Australian Defence Force and fisheries authorities from multiple nations, along with the US Coast Guard and FFA officials.
Additional support came from several partners, including Starboard Maritime Intelligence and programs like Canada’s Dark Vessel Detection. The joint effort also involved the US Military’s Joint Integrated Task Force West, the Pacific Community, and the WCPFC Secretariat.