FRANCE plays a key role in managing a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Pacific, supporting fisheries sustainability and regional cooperation.
Management of a 6.5 million km² EEZ covering territories in New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna.
“France actively contributes to fisheries conservation through regional organisations,” said Ambassador Véronique Roger-Lacan, the French Ambassador to the Pacific and Permanent Representative to the Pacific Community, based in New Caledonia.
“Membership in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) strengthens oversight, especially on the high seas.
“French Navy ships registered with WCPFC enhance control and enforcement efforts, and territories participate in management discussions without voting rights, safeguarding fishing access for local fleets.”
Roger-Lacan said French Armed Forces assisted FFA operations from bases in New Caledonia and French Polynesia.
“France is part of the Pacific Quad with Australia, New Zealand, and the USA, reinforcing multilateral support,’’ she said.
“French naval vessels and patrol aircraft contribute to FFA’s annual surveillance missions, such as Operation Rai Blang and ongoing Operation 365, and these operations average 130 days at sea and 50 flight hours annually, covering about two million square kilometres.”
Centres in New Caledonia and French Polynesia provide regional expertise recognised widely, and they support FFA operations with analysts embedded in surveillance and enforcement missions.
The centres reinforce the capability of FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centres, and these facilities enhance coordination between French forces and regional fisheries authorities.
Regional Security and Humanitarian Role
Beyond fisheries, the French military presence significantly contributes to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) in the Pacific.
HADR, as a major regional contribution alongside fisheries surveillance, involves around 2000 personnel from 19 nations, including Pacific states, in biennial HADR exercises.
Roger-Lacan said equipment and personnel were deployed from New Caledonia to other Pacific territories under such operations.
“Exercises strengthen regional disaster response capabilities and interoperability, and France’s HADR role supports broader Pacific security and stability agendas.”
Operational support through ongoing maritime and aerial patrols involving the French Navy and Air Force assets provides a continuous presence in Pacific waters.
She said patrols contributed to regional security, fisheries enforcement, and humanitarian readiness, and coordination with FFA and regional partners maximises operational reach and impact.
“These efforts maintain France’s strategic influence and contribute to Pacific prosperity and security.”
French commitment to multilateral Pacific frameworks, with Active participation in the Pacific Quad and regional fisheries and security groups.
Roger-Lacan noted their support for regional norms implementation and capacity building.
She said French territories remained integrated into Pacific governance despite non-membership in some organisations and reinforced France’s long-term strategic interests in the region through stable partnerships.