FSM receives equipment to enhance electronic monitoring and fisheries surveillance

The Federated States of Micronesia Government this week received equipment to strengthen its capabilities in Electronic Monitoring and Fisheries Surveillance.

Mathew Chigiyal, Deputy Director of National Oceanic Resources Management Authority (NORMA) of the FSM, on behalf of the FSM government, expressed deep appreciation for the support.

“This equipment marks a significant step forward for NORMA’s capacity to monitor and enforce fisheries regulations in our Exclusive Economic Zone. By further advancing our commitment to the Tuna Transparency Pledge, we aim to ensure that our fisheries are managed in a way that promotes transparency, sustainability, and accountability.

“We deeply value Australia and FFA’s steadfast commitment to building sustainable and transparent fisheries management in FSM.”

Allan Rahari, Director of Fisheries Operations for the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), officially handed over critical equipment to NORMA.

This assistance is aimed at enhancing NORMA’s Electronic Monitoring Data Review Centre (DRC) and strengthening their capacity to effectively monitor fishing vessels at sea.

Mr Rahari emphasised the significance of the assistance.

“This equipment will play an essential role in NORMA’s monitoring work to electronically monitor the activities of fishing vessels in FSM waters. It will also support the implementation of the FSM’s Tuna Transparency Pledge and contribute to the overall effort to combat IUU fishing in the Pacific region.”

The equipment, made possible through financial assistance from the Australian Government via FFA, includes four state of the art Electronic Monitoring analysis workstations and a Starlink satellite internet system.

The handover was also attended by Australian government official David Power, Senior Manager, Foreign Compliance Policy, reaffirming the commitment to foster cooperation in fisheries management and the fight against Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing.

Mr Power expressed Australia’s ongoing commitment to regional fisheries development.

“Australia is delighted to support this vital initiative to strengthen monitoring of longline fisheries. FSM is a regional leader in implementing Electronic Monitoring and we look forward to continuing our work with NORMA and FFA Members on this important initiative.”

This assistance is part of a broader initiative aimed at supporting FFA Members in achieving shared goals of sustainable development, capacity building in fisheries management, and strengthening monitoring, control, and surveillance efforts in the ongoing fight against IUU fishing.

POHNPEI, 04 October 2024

Media Contacts:
Emily V. Moli
FFA Communications Manager
e: [email protected]

Ernest Ta'asi
FFA Communications Officer
e: ernest.ta’[email protected]

Priscilla Ragu
FFA Communications Officer
e: [email protected]
About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA)
FFA assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int