ADF supports Pacific partners in combating illegal fishing
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has reaffirmed its commitment to maritime security and resource protection in the Pacific through its ongoing support to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). Under Operation Solania, ADF personnel recently took part in the multinational Operation Kurukuru, the region’s flagship maritime surveillance and enforcement initiative.
In brief
The Australian Defence Force supported the international Operation Kurukuru, led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency against illegal fishing. As part of Operation Solania, a RAAF C-27J Spartan aircraft from No. 35 Squadron flew patrol missions over the waters of the Federated States of Micronesia and identified three vessels suspected of illegal fishing activity. Vice Admiral Justin Jones, Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Force, said that illegal fishing costs Pacific nations hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
The ADF contribution included a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan and crew from No. 35 Squadron, which conducted aerial patrols over the Federated States of Micronesia. The aircraft provided surveillance and reconnaissance to identify and report vessels suspected of engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing or other transnational maritime crimes.
During the deployment, the Australian crew documented three vessels involved in suspected illegal fishing activities, providing valuable intelligence to FFA officers at sea.
Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN, Chief of Joint Operations, ADF, emphasised the importance of joint efforts in safeguarding the region’s maritime resources:
- Operation Solania enables the ADF to leverage its aerial surveillance capabilities to support the Forum Fisheries Agency in protecting fisheries vital to the economies of Pacific island nations. Illegal fishing costs the region hundreds of millions of dollars each year, and through collaboration, we help ensure these resources benefit those who fish responsibly and within sovereign laws.
Detachment Commander and C-27J Spartan captain, Flight Lieutenant Thomas Johnston, highlighted the operational value of the mission:
- The 35 Squadron crew made a significant contribution to the multinational effort, documenting and reporting three suspect vessels. This information allowed FFA enforcement teams to conduct targeted inspections and investigations at sea.
Operation Kurukuru is one of the Pacific’s largest and most coordinated regional surveillance operations, uniting air, sea, and information assets from multiple partner nations. Its aim is to deter and disrupt IUU fishing, which continues to undermine maritime sovereignty and the sustainable management of ocean resources across the Pacific.
Through Operation Solania, Australia demonstrates its enduring commitment to supporting Pacific partners in defending their territorial integrity, combating transnational crime, and promoting sustainable maritime development. The mission also reflects Canberra’s broader Pacific Step-Up policy, reinforcing regional security cooperation and economic resilience.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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