Operation Nasse 2023: Protecting Pacific fisheries
From May to July 2023, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) joined our Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group (PQUAD) partners, France, New Zealand, and the United States of America, in Operation Nasse.
For the first time Fiji also participated in the activity by conducting port inspections, an important element of the International Fisheries Patrol.
Operation Nasse is an annual multilateral fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance activity which detects, deters and disrupts illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing on the high seas of the South Pacific Ocean.
Since the first operation in 2015, Operation Nasse has consistently delivered positive outcomes for the region, ensuring fish stocks are managed sustainably and maritime security is maintained.
The operation is a part of AFMA’s multifaceted approach to combatting IUU fishing under the International Compliance and Engagement Program.
Operation Nasse also supports regional fisheries management organisations who are responsible for protecting fish species that migrate or straddle multiple exclusive economic zones and the high seas.
IUU fishing in the Pacific Ocean costs the commercial fishing industry millions of dollars each year and has an impact on the management of highly desirable species, including tuna. The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency estimates that approximately 192,000 tonnes of tuna attributed to IUU fishing activity is either harvested or transhipped each year.
Operation Nasse coincides with the Pacific tuna season and plays an important role in preventing exploitation of the species. Tuna is significant to the economy of many Pacific Island nations and provides vital development opportunities for the region.
During Operation Nasse, aerial and sea assets were coordinated by the joint coordination centre in New Zealand to conduct 108 port inspections, 18 surveillance flights which observed more than 90 fishing vessels, 20 high seas boarding and inspections, and five radio interrogations.
Several potential breaches were identified and raised with flag state fisheries authorities including:
- misreporting catch
- non-compliance with seabird mitigations
- poor handling of sharks and sting rays
- incorrect display of markings and flags
- poor working conditions
- maritime pollution
- transhipment and,
- non-compliance with vessel monitoring system requirements.
Wez Norris, AFMA’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the importance of the operation and the significant role it plays in meeting the Australian Government’s commitment to the Pacific.
“Illegal fishing is a global problem. It damages the environment and financially impacts the commercial fishing industry in our region, and around the world. The positive outcomes of Operation Nasse demonstrate that regionally we have the resources, intelligence, and capabilities to protect marine natural resources."
“Our strong partnerships with PQUAD countries and Pacific Island nations enables cooperation and collaboration to protect our shared marine resources”.
“Together, we can make a real impact on illegal fishing”, said Mr Norris.
