Operation Kurukuru, a two-week initiative aimed at protecting the essential marine resources of Pacific Island nations in the Western Central Pacific Ocean, concluded last Friday. The operation was crucial in combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, vital for promoting sustainable fisheries and enhancing maritime security across the region.
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) reported that Operation Kurukuru spanned approximately 21.3 million square kilometers and focused on addressing the significant threats posed by IUU fishing, which impacts the economic stability and food security of Pacific Island nations while undermining sustainability efforts.
FFA director-general Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen emphasized that the operation demonstrated regional collaboration among Pacific Island nations and the commitment to safeguarding invaluable marine resources. “By tackling IUU fishing head-on, we are not only preserving our marine resources but also securing the livelihoods and food security of our people,” he stated.
The operation involved 15 member nations, including Fiji, Australia, Cook Islands, and others, supported by assets and personnel from the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group (Pacific QUADs). The efforts included surveillance activities at sea and in ports, sharing information among nations, and employing state-of-the-art technology for monitoring.
Key objectives of Operation Kurukuru were to enhance surveillance and enforcement, strengthen regional cooperation, build capacity among FFA members, and promote sustainable fisheries management. The operation resulted in over 196 vessel contacts, with 89 boardings and more than 2,000 detections on satellite scans reported by the FFA.
In a related development, the FFA recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new building complex valued at US$7.1 million, set to house the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC). Construction is expected to begin next year and will provide enhanced maritime surveillance capabilities for the region.
This concerted effort not only reflects the commitment of Pacific Island nations to their marine resources but also underscores the hope for a sustainable future where fisheries can thrive, ensuring that communities remain resilient and food secure.
Summary: Operation Kurukuru has successfully concluded a two-week campaign aimed at combating illegal fishing in the Western Central Pacific Ocean. The initiative resulted in significant surveillance efforts and cooperative regional actions, ensuring the protection and sustainable management of marine resources essential to the food security of Pacific Island nations. With the support of advanced technologies and upcoming infrastructure developments, there’s optimism for the future of sustainable fisheries in the region.
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