AS part of their ongoing efforts to safeguard Fiji’s blue prosperity, the Fiji Navy conducted a maritime enforcement operation in the North.
The operation covered the Northern Division including Rotuma.
The Republic of Fiji Navy (RFN) in a statement said during their patrol they had interdicted a vessel in the North.
Fiji Navy said that the operation was initiated following routine Maritime Domain Awareness activities conducted from the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre where multiple agencies work together to monitor Fiji’s vast maritime domain.
During the operation a Fiji-flagged fishing vessel operating in the area was identified for inspection.
The RFNS Timo which was on routine patrol was re-tasked to conduct boarding and inspection of the vessel.
RFN said their personnel verified licensing documentation, inspected fishing gear and catch and assessed compliance with Fiji fisheries laws.
Tonnes of reef fish were observed in the vessel’s hold after which the vessel was escorted to Suva to enable further regulatory inspection.
The operation demonstrated RFN’s commitment to detecting, disrupting and deterring activities that may impact Fiji’s ocean resources.
Fiji Navy said the operation also highlighted the enhance Maritime Domain Awareness capability provided by the VMESC, which enabled coordinated surveillance and response across Fiji’s 1.3 million square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone.
“We will continue to support the Ministry of Fisheries in conducting maritime patrols throughout Fiji’s waters and boarding and inspection operations will continue as part of normal operations and activities,” the Fiji Navy said.
“We will also continue to work with partner agencies to ensure the sustainable management of Fiji’s marine resources for the benefit of all Fijians.”
