THE Royal New Zealand Air Force has carried out maritime surveillance and reconnaissance patrols for Vanuatu and the Forum Fisheries Agency.

Using an MC-12K King Air and crew from No. 42 Squadron the RNZAF received intelligence and taskings from the Vanuatu’s Police Maritime Unit, Transnational Crime Squad,  Fisheries Office, and National Disaster Management Office.

Intelligence was also received from the Honiara-based Forum Fisheries Agency. 

Officers from the agencies were embarked for the flights, with particular interest in surveillance of “dark vessels” – those that deliberately hide their identification, location or ownership while at sea.

Several fishing vessels and pleasure craft were recorded, with information provided to the Vanuatu agencies and FFA for follow-up.

The VNDMO also requested updated imagery of the Ambrym and Ambae volcanoes, and overflight of these showed lakes and steaming fissures as well as lava erupting from the eastern crater of Ambrym.

Officer Commanding No. 42 Squadron, Squadron Leader Craig Clark, said the operation was extremely successful.

“We were able to support the Government of Vanuatu in their efforts to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and transnational organised crime,’’ he said

“We provided the imagery they need for evidence and to build a picture of what may be illegal activity occurring in their waters.”