FFA Members Complete Phase One of Regional Monitoring Control Surveillance Data Analysis Training
Five days of learning, collaboration, and hands-on skill building to strengthen the fight against IUU fishing.
The FFA’s Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Data Analysis Training (RMCS DAT) is important in strengthening the region’s capability to detect and deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Photo: FFA
Suva, Fiji – 12 December 2025 – The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Data Analysis Training (RMCS DAT) has wrapped up the first phase of its Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Data Analysis Training (RMCS DAT), in Fiji today, marking an important step toward strengthening the region’s capability to detect and deter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Held in Suva from 8-12 December, the week-long training brought together 20 participants from eight FFA Members including Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu alongside key MCS and technology partners. Participants also included MCS analysts and operational officers from Fisheries agencies, Navy and Police Maritime units.
One of the 20 participants during one of the sessions. Photo: FFA
The intensive programme was designed to upskill Members in advanced data analysis techniques that support intelligence -led surveillance and strengthen their roles as Flag, Coastal, and Port States in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.
During the opening session, FFA Surveillance Operations Officer, Yohni Fepuleai highlighted the importance of building regional capacity.
FFA Surveillance Operations Officer, Yohni Fepuleai at the opening session of the The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Data Analysis Training (RMCS DAT) in Suva, Fiji. Photo: FFA
“This capacity support is a priority under our FFA Regional MCS Strategy, with an emphasis on technology as an enabler to strengthen the ability of FFA Members to make informed enforcement decisions on fishing activity in the Pacific. These tools and skills are essential for effective, intelligence-driven MCS and Maritime Domain Awareness across the Pacific region.”
The Key Outcomes include:
- Improved integration of data analysis into real-time fisheries surveillance and MDA operations.
- Expanded collaboration with partners, including IMCSN and Joint Analytical Cell (JAC) Global Fishing Watch (GFW), Skylight, C4ADs, Starboard, TMT, UK Marine Management Organisation, SPC FAME
- Hands-on intelligence and compliance assessment exercises, including a practical application visit to the Fiji Navy Maritime Essential Services Center (MESC).
A participant from Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries during one of the sessions. Photo: FFA
This first phase builds on the first rollout of the data analysis support to Members and aligns with the strategic priorities set out in the FFA Regional MCS Strategy (RMCSS) 2024-2029.
FFA acknowledges the support of all partners involved, and expresses appreciation to DFAT and IMCSN for funding this Program.
| 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 |
|