A REGIONAL surveillance operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing identified 16 vessels of interest and led to the detention or apprehension of four vessels.
Operation Island Chief 2026, coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) from August 3 to 14, monitored more than 3000 fishing vessels operating across the area of operation, including the exclusive economic zones of 11 FFA members and adjacent high seas areas.
The operation analysed 10,884 satellite detections, recorded 92 vessel sightings, and boarded and inspected 133 vessels. Forty-five vessel contacts received high-risk illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) assessments, while 16 were identified as vessels of interest.
“Operation Island Chief has again demonstrated the value of our collective efforts to detect and respond to IUU [illegal, unreported and unregulated] fishing, which remains a serious threat to the sustainability of our region’s valuable tuna resources,” FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said following the close briefing of OPIC26 at FFA headquarters in Honiara on Friday.
“The identification of 16 vessels of interest is a significant outcome from this operation and demonstrates the strength of our increasingly targeted approach to regional surveillance,” Pakop said.
“These results reflect the growing capability of our Members, supported by intelligence, technology and strong partnerships, to identify activities of concern and protect our vast ocean areas.”
The operation involved Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Naoero, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
The Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group, known as Pacific QUADs, and Fisheries Analysts from Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States provided surveillance assets and other operational support.
The operation also received input from the Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, the Pacific Community, the Joint Analytical Cell, Global Fishing Watch, Hawkeye 360, Starboard and Canadian Dark Vessel Detection.
FFA said the operation combined intelligence analysis, satellite and remote-sensing technology, aerial surveillance, surface patrols and vessel inspections to identify activities requiring further investigation by national authorities.
A key feature was the use of Pacific QUAD surface and air capabilities to enable national Shiprider arrangements for the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
National officers from the Marshall Islands embarked aboard United States Coast Guard vessels, allowing them to conduct fisheries patrols and boarding activities under their respective national authorities. Solomon Islands officials joined Royal Australian C-27J Spartan crews for aerial surveillance within the Solomon Islands’ exclusive economic zone.
Information on vessels identified during the operation has been referred to relevant national authorities for assessment and follow-up action under their respective national processes.
Twenty-five secondees from participating members were deployed to the FFA’s Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara, which served as the main regional coordination centre.
The secondees included personnel from national fisheries agencies, maritime units, navies and police services. They worked alongside FFA specialists to monitor the regional surveillance picture, analyse information and support national surveillance activities.
FFA said the group included experienced surveillance personnel and officers taking part in a regional operation for the first time, allowing members to share knowledge and operational experience.
Operation Island Chief is part of the FFA’s programme of regional monitoring, control and surveillance operations, which brings together members and partners to support compliance with fisheries rules and strengthen protection of the Pacific region’s fisheries resources.
