Air Force Key Player in South Pacific Tuna Fishing Operation

New Zealand has taken an active role in a recent international fisheries surveillance operation to ensure the tuna fishing fleet in the South Pacific Ocean is following fishery laws during Covid-19 when ports are closed.

The operation included backing from Australia, France and the United States.

The air and sea missions were coordinated by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in conjunction with the New Zealand Defence Force, the Australian Fisheries Management Agency, along with New Caledonian Armed Forces, and the US Coast Guard.

Fishing vessels were not boarded because of safety reasons due to the Covid-19 threat. They were instead observed remotely with visual surveillance data analysed and provided to relevant authorities.

Its key objective was to identify tuna fishers not complying with the agreement of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission and its legally binding rules.

It also investigated how fishing companies managed their operation, such as landing their catch when ports are closed because of Covid-19.

Other aspects included ensuring that tuna fishers were utilising the correct equipment to protect sea birds and that they were reporting their maritime positions through the official satellite monitoring system.

MPI Director of Compliance, Gary Orr says the operation proved our monitoring capabilities are as strong as they were before the Covid-19 crisis began.

“We had Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion flights based out of Auckland, Australian Maritime Border Command Dash 8s based out of Brisbane, French Guardians from Noumea and USCG C-130 aircraft flying out of Fiji. We were able to penetrate a huge area and gather valuable intelligence, which will be followed up.

“The ongoing Covid-19 threat meant we did not board and inspect fishing vessels at sea. But our shared technology gave our people the ability to closely view certain aspects of tuna fishing operations from a virtual environment,” Mr Orr said.

The operation involved aircraft and vessels from all countries involved, providing significant vision from the sky and sea.

NZDF’s Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jim Gilmour said that by working with Pacific neighbours and partner organisations, a large area of ocean could be covered during maritime surveillance patrols.

“Our personnel are highly skilled in this work. The information they gather on vessels of interest is passed on to all the relevant authorities. Together we’re helping protect a natural resource from exploitation and the livelihoods of Pacific neighbours who rely on a regulated and sustainable fishery for income.”

The operation was the first time the US Coast Guard had sent a vessel to participate alongside Australia, New Zealand, and France.

Mr Orr said to be able to lead and work with our international partners on an operation with a shared interest helped ensure the valuable tuna fishery was not being illegally fished.

“It shows our capabilities are second to none and should also send a strong message – that we have the ability to uphold fisheries laws to the highest level even during a pandemic.”

In the Western Central Pacific, annual tuna catch is estimated at over US$5 billion. This provides a huge amount of income to many Pacific Island nations, and with a downturn in tourism earning because of Covid-19, it is even more important that the resource is protected from illegal fishing.