The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) is set to commence construction of its new $US7.1million ($F16m)building complex that will house its Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) next year.

The state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance maritime surveillance and regional cooperation among FFA’s 17 members.

The centre will be equipped with advanced monitoring systems, and will provide real-time Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) that would enable swift and informed responses to maritime security threats, and combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in Pacific waters.

FFA director-general Dr Manu Tupou-Roosen said this new centre was a symbol of unity.

“We are so proud of what our members have achieved—in setting up this centre, in leading the world in tuna fisheries management and development. We are humbled to serve from the Secretariat,” Dr Tupou-Roosen said.

“While we recognise these amazing achievements, we always remember that what lies at the centre of our work is our people.

“Always remembering why we do what we do, and why we work together: Our People, Our Fisheries, Our Future.”

The RFSC will serve as the coordination centre for all FFA surveillance operations, assisting members in monitoring the vast Pacific Ocean that spans approximately 30 million square miles.

The ground-breaking ceremony was held in Honiara, Solomon Islands on Friday, October 25.

Construction is expected to be completed over the next two years.

FFA assists its 17 members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile exclusive economic zones (EEZs).