Media release
27 July 2015
Australia’s engagement with our international counterparts to deter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing has again been showcased during the trilateral Operation Nasse with France and New Zealand.
Officers from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF) embarked on patrol and surveillance assets as part of the four week operation in the southern Pacific Ocean.
The purpose of the operation was to identify potential non-compliance with conservation and management measures adopted by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
AFMA’s General Manager of Operations, Mr Peter Venslovas said that the trilateral operation demonstrated the success of international cooperation to counter illegal fishing.
“The relationships Australia has formed through operations like Nasse are invaluable in preventing IUU fishing,” Mr Venslovas said.
“The operation was also an opportunity for Australia, France and New Zealand to enhance their productive relationships by sharing surveillance information.
“Thank you to the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia for hosting the operation and to our New Zealand counterparts for their valuable efforts in combatting IUU fishing.”
All three countries provided at sea response capability and air surveillance support during the operation. Through Maritime Border Command, Australia deployed three surveillance aircraft and the Royal Australian Navy survey ship HMAS Leeuwin. These Australian assets were in addition to the French Guardian surveillance aircraft and Patrol Boat La Glorieuse and the New Zealand P3K2 surveillance aircraft and HMNZS Otago.
Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Michael Noonan, said that the ABF was committed to working with partners to stamp out IUU fishing.
“The message to IUU fishers is clear: we are targeting you and there is nowhere to hide,” Rear Admiral Noonan said.
“The ABF is proud to work in close in partnership with AFMA. The support we receive from our French and New Zealand partners is also invaluable in closing the net on illegal fishing.”
The operation resulted in a number of sightings and boardings of fishing vessels operating targeting tuna in Western and Pacific Ocean. A total of 45 hours of air surveillance was completed, with 70 fishing vessels sighted during the 22 day operation. Thirteen boardings and inspections were conducted with minor violations of the WCPFC conservation and management measures detected.
For more information on how Australia is combating illegal fishing visit afma.gov.au.
ENDS