Operation Island Chief 2024 (OPIC24) concluded with over 353 vessel interactions, marking a significant regional initiative aimed at monitoring and safeguarding sustainable fisheries in the Pacific region. At the end of the operation, authorities identified and reported eight vessels of interest for potentially violating sustainable fishing regulations.
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) indicated that these vessels were flagged for investigations due to their suspected non-compliance with national regulations and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) conservation measures, based on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) analysis and inspections.
During the 12-day operation, extensive surveillance efforts were implemented to protect marine resources within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of FFA member countries and the surrounding high seas. The operation included air and surface asset utilization, with a total of 153 inspections conducted both in ports and at sea. Additionally, surveillance recorded 206 aircraft sightings and 1,146 satellite detections.
The joint effort involved participation from 13 FFA members: Australia, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. They received support from technology partners and personnel from the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group (Pacific QUADs), which includes Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States.
Key components of OPIC24 included boarding operations, collaborative surveillance engagements between FFA members and Pacific QUADs nations, and the integration of remote sensing data provided by Canada, the United States, and New Zealand to enhance intelligence-led operations.
Prior to the operation, the FFA Secretariat and its partners conducted capability enhancement training for 25 personnel from various organizations, including the Australian Defence Force and fisheries bodies from several Pacific nations. Support was also received from partners like Starboard Maritime Intelligence and the Canadian Government’s Dark Vessel Detection program, among others.
FFA Director-General Dr. Manu Tupou-Roosen remarked on the operation’s reflection of regional cooperation and the collective resolve of Pacific Island nations in pursuing sustainable fisheries management and maritime security. She emphasized the importance of effectively managing marine resources for the livelihoods and food security of local communities.