The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said about 141 vessels have been inspected so far during combined maritime patrols with Fiji enforcement agencies, sending a clear message to those considering illegal fishing activity.

The combined team, which includes personnel from the Republic of Fiji Navy, Fiji’s Ministry of Fisheries, Revenue and Customs Service and New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries, is conducting the patrols on Royal New Zealand Navy inshore patrol vessel HMNZS Taupo.

Major General Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand said: “We hope that the maritime surveillance patrols have served as a deterrent to those who are considering illegal fishing in Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zone.”

The combined patrols had been successful in raising awareness around fisheries and customs regulations and in promoting closer defence co-operation between the NZDF and the Republic of Fiji Navy, Major General Gall said.

Additional patrols were planned using offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Otago before the end of the year.

“We are here to assist Fiji authorities in protecting their fishery resources and enhancing border security. Together we have shown our shared commitment to protecting a valuable resource for future generations,” he said.

Lieutenant Ben Flight, the Commanding Officer of Taupo, said Fiji personnel were involved in planning the patrols and were leading at-sea boarding and inspection of fishing vessels, foreign yachts and sailboats in Fijian waters.

“This is a great development opportunity for our own sailors. We’ve learnt so much by working together with the Fiji agencies,” Lieutenant Flight said.

Operations

The New Zealand Defence Force’s combined maritime patrols with Fijian enforcement agencies have inspected about 141 vessels since June, sending a clear message to those considering illegal fishing activity. Photo: New Zealand Defence Force

Since the combined operation began in June HMNZS Taupo has travelled about 11,100 kilometres and 740 hours have been spent on the patrols.

Aisake Batibasaga, Fiji’s Director of Fisheries, said action would be taken against anyone who was not complying with the regulations.

“Together with the Fiji Navy we will continue to build on the success of the combined maritime patrols with the NZDF by continuing the targeted patrolling of Fiji’s waters to identify illegal fishing and ensure compliance with Fiji’s fisheries and border security laws.”

24 sailors from the Fiji Navy have trained on HMNZS Taupo to date, improving their core mariner skills and enhancing their knowledge of patrol boat operations.

For the second consecutive year, the NZDF has deployed an inshore patrol vessel to help Fiji patrol its Exclusive Economic Zone of more than than 1.2 million square kilometres.

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

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