WCPO ‘Operation Tui Moana’ Identifies Two IUU Boats

The three-week annual ‘Operation Tui Moana 2026’ (OPTM26) held from May 4 to 22 flagged two vessels operating in the WCPO for suspected IUU fishing. Authorities verified more than 200 boats, carried out 61 at-sea and port inspections, and shortlisted four vessels of interest, which ultimately led to two apprehensions. The suspected infringements included vessel monitoring system non-reporting, unauthorized bunkering and transshipment, along with breaches in logsheet documentation and reporting compliance, according to a Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) statement. The FFA did not clarify the type of fishing vessels.

The operation, launched in 2017, spans the EEZs of 10 Pacific Island states as well as adjoining high seas waters in the WCPO. OPTM26 integrated maritime patrols, aerial surveillance, intelligence-led analysis, and compliance monitoring to detect and deter potential fisheries infringements. Noan David Pakop, FFA Director General, explained: “Over the past three weeks, we have once again demonstrated the strength of regional solidarity and collective action in protecting our fisheries resources and strengthening the Pacific’s fight against IUU fishing and other associated transnational crimes.”