Capacity boost for Tuvalu, Fiji and Nauru boarding practitioners
Twenty-six officials from Tuvalu Fisheries, Tuvalu Police Maritime, Fiji Fisheries, Fiji Navy and Nauru Fisheries completed a week-long training on Fisheries Boarding and Inspection, co-delivered by the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industry (MPI).
The training was held in Suva on 23 – 27 June 2025.
The training is aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge on executing effective vessel inspections to detect IUU fishing. Photo by FFA Media
Safeguarding tuna resources from illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activity through the enhancement of boarding and inspection of fishing vessels in the Pacific, to ensure compliance with fisheries management frameworks.
“The training support to Tuvalu, Fiji and Nauru follows an ongoing priority focus on vessel inspection capacity building for compliance officers in the Pacific. Enhancing safe and effective port and at-sea inspection capacity remains an integral component of the Regional MCS Strategy support to Members,” said FFA Surveillance Operation Officer Yohni Fepuleai speaking at the opening of the training.
In his opening remarks, Tuvalu Department of Fisheries representative, Manuao Taufilo said, “This Dockside Boarding and Inspection (DSBI) training for Tuvalu, Fiji and Nauru demonstrates cooperation and commitment in the fight against IUU fishing. For Tuvalu, this training is timely and significant to Tuvalu’s obligation under the FAO PSMA, as Tuvalu recently ratified the agreement.”
He also urged participants to engage and learn to upgrade their skills and knowledge in DSBI.
Twenty-six officials from Tuvalu Fisheries, Tuvalu Police Maritime, Fiji Fisheries, Fiji Navy and Nauru Fisheries completed a week-long training on Fisheries Boarding and Inspection. Photo by FFA Media
The training is aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge on executing effective vessel inspections to detect IUU fishing. This workshop is also an important step towards building capacity of newly recruited officials and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) including the use of new MDA technology.
The training also aims to build the capacity of national compliance officers through:
- Understanding the legal frameworks and operational protocols to carry out compliance checks of conservation management measures and the evolving legal instruments;
- The use of MCS tools and technology to inform targeted inspections and IUU risks;
- Safe and effective vessel inspection techniques; and
- Practical boarding and risk assessment exercises.
Participants were engaged in a practical boarding inspection of fishing vessels at Suva Port to demonstrate effective planning and safe execution of quality fishing vessel inspections.
A group photo of the training participants in Suva, Fiji. Photo by FFA Media
This capability support was made possible through the FFA’s Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program (PROPER) Project, the Government of Tuvalu and Fiji.
SUVA, 30 JUNE 2025
| 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 |
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