Eight Vessels Intercepted In FFA WCPO Operation

The Forum Fisheries Agency-led Operation Island Chief 2024 (OPIC24), a 12-day initiative to monitor and survey fishing operations in the WCPO, concluded last week. Eight vessels, probably fishing for tuna, were intercepted and they were reported to members for further investigation “with potential infringements related to non-compliance with national and WCPFC conservation management measures,” read an FFA statement.

The operation was carried out in the EEZs of 11 FFA members and the high seas in an area encompassing approximately 18.2 million square kilometers. Over 353 vessels were inspected with a total of 153 boardings in port and at sea. Moreover, over 200 aircraft sightings and 1,146 satellite detections were recorded. OPIC24 was jointly carried out by Australia, Fiji, Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, PNG, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Samoa. The technology for the operations was supported by Australia, France, New Zealand, and the US.