ADF supports Operation Solania to curb illegal fishing

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has successfully supported coordinated maritime surveillance activities around Tonga and Fiji to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Under Operation Solania, the ADF assisted Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) members to safeguard their marine resources by monitoring suspected illegal fishing vessels in the countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones. As part of the FFA’s Operation Tui Moana, the ADF deployed a C-27J Spartan aircraft and aircrew from No. 35 Squadron to conduct aerial surveillance patrols to detect and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing threats. Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, said Operation Solania was Australia’s key contribution to a coordinated, regional approach to maritime surveillance with our Pacific partners. “Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is a direct threat to the security of Australia’s and its neighbours’ resources and borders, and is a vehicle for transnational crime,” Vice Admiral Jones said. “By working closely with the FFA, Pacific partners, and the other members of the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group – the United States, New Zealand and France – the ADF supports a sustainable future in the region.” Detachment Commander, Squadron Leader James Champness, said the crew’s efforts yielded valuable data for the FFA. “Our patrols during Operation Solania covered 97,950 square kilometres of Tonga and Fiji’s Exclusive Economic Zones, identifying potential threats to their marine resources,” Squadron Leader Champness said. “We identified 24 vessels of interest and documented suspicious activities at sea, providing crucial information to the FFA. I’m proud of all members of our crew for the hard work and professionalism displayed throughout our deployment.” Australia remains committed to working with Pacific partners against the threat to territorial sovereignty and economic development caused by transnational crime and the illegal, unreported and unregulated exploitation of natural resources. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]