A contingent from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has recently deployed under Operation Solania to the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency's (FFA) latest maritime and aerial monitoring, control and surveillance operation, Operation Kurukuru.
A Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan aircraft and crew from No. 35 Squadron provided aerial surveillance in the Federated States of Micronesia to monitor vessels suspected to be involved in transnational crime.
The Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, AO, CSC, RAN emphasised the importance of leveraging ADF assets through Operation Solania to help protect fisheries resources vital to Pacific island countries' economies.
"Operation Solania allows the ADF to use its aerial surveillance capability to support the Forum Fisheries Agency in the deterrence of illegal fishing, which costs Pacific island countries hundreds of millions of dollars in lost income," Vice Admiral Jones said.
"The ADF takes every opportunity to prioritise its assets in working with Pacific partners to protect regional security and prosperity. As family, we step in to help each other.
"The support the ADF provides the FFA ensures fishing benefits go towards fishers who respect laws and sovereign rights."
Detachment Commander and C-27J Spartan captain, Flight Lieutenant Thomas Johnston of RAAF 35 Squadron, said the crew provided a strong contribution to the multinational operation.
"35 Squadron documented three vessels suspected of engaging in illegal fishing and suspicious activity," Flight Lieutenant Johnston said.
"We were able to provide this information to the FFA, enabling fisheries officers to effectively investigate fishing vessels at sea."
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.
Media Note
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