More “Vessels Of Interest” Detected This Year In WCPO

The twelve-day FFA-led operation to combat IUU fishing in the WCPO, ‘Operation Island Chief 2025’ (OPIC25), concluded last week. Eight surface patrol assets and six aircrafts were deployed, which made 100 boardings on tuna and other fishing boats –53 in port and 47 at sea. An additional 100 boat sightings were recorded, and 12 vessels of interest were identified, more than the eight detected last year. Four historic cases were successfully closed in Kiribati, while several high seas transshipments were identified and are now under further investigation to determine compliance with notification requirements. FFA did not specify details of the cases or the vessels which conducted  high seas transshipments.

OPIC25 was organized by FFA members, with support from Australia, New Zealand, the US, France, Global Fishing Watch, and WCPFC. FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said the majority of fishing vessels monitored were found to be compliant. However, the success of the operation lied in its deterrence effect and its ability to scrutinize activities that may threaten the region’s fisheries, FFA said in a statement.