Operation Island Chief identifies 16 vessels of interest as Pacific nations intensify surveillance against illegal fishing.
Sixteen vessels of interest were identified during Operation Island Chief 2026, one of the higher numbers recorded in recent Pacific regional surveillance operations targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
The two-week operation, coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) from 3 to 14 August, also resulted in four vessels being detained or apprehended.
Operation Island Chief covered approximately 27.5 million square kilometres of Pacific waters and monitored more than 3,000 fishing vessels operating within the area of operation.
The operation involved aerial and surface surveillance across the Exclusive Economic Zones of 11 FFA members and adjacent high seas areas.
Participating members included Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
The operation was supported by the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group, involving Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States, through surveillance assets and other operational support.
FFA also used its monitoring, control and surveillance tools, with additional information from the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, Pacific Community, Joint Analytical Cell, Global Fishing Watch, Hawkeye 360, Starboard and Canadian Dark Vessel Detection.
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said the operation demonstrated the value of collective regional efforts to detect and respond to illegal fishing.
“Operation Island Chief has again demonstrated the value of our collective efforts to detect and respond to IUU [illegal, unreported and unregulated] fishing, which remains a serious threat to the sustainability of our region’s valuable tuna resources,” Pakop said.
He said identifying 16 vessels of interest demonstrated the increasingly targeted approach to regional fisheries surveillance.
“These results reflect the growing capability of our Members, supported by intelligence, technology and strong partnerships, to identify activities of concern and protect our vast ocean areas.”
OPERATION BY THE NUMBERS
During the operation:
- 10,884 satellite detections were analysed
- 92 vessel sightings were recorded
- 133 vessels were boarded and inspected
- 45 vessel contacts received high-risk IUU assessments
- 16 vessels of interest were identified
- Four vessels were detained or apprehended
Information on the vessels identified has been referred to relevant national authorities for assessment and follow-up action under their respective national processes.
FFA said vessels of interest were associated with suspected IUU fishing and maritime crime.
A key feature of the operation was the use of Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group air and surface capabilities to support national Shiprider arrangements for the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
National officers from the Marshall Islands embarked on United States Coast Guard vessels, allowing them to conduct fisheries patrols and boarding activities under their national authorities.
Solomon Islands officials also joined Royal Australian C-27J Spartan crews for aerial surveillance within the Solomon Islands Exclusive Economic Zone.
The operation also strengthened the skills and operational experience of fisheries and maritime personnel from FFA member countries.
Twenty-five secondees from participating members were deployed to the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara, which served as the main coordination centre.
The secondees included personnel from fisheries agencies, maritime units, navies and police services, working alongside FFA specialists to monitor regional surveillance information, analyse intelligence and support national operations.
FFA said the operation brought together experienced surveillance personnel and officers taking part in a regional operation for the first time, allowing knowledge and operational experience to be shared.
Operation Island Chief forms part of FFA’s wider programme of regional monitoring, control and surveillance operations aimed at strengthening compliance with fisheries rules and protecting Pacific fisheries resources.
SOURCE// FFA Media Release
