Operation Island Chief reinforces Pacific unity against illegal fishing

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has concluded Operation Island Chief 2025 (OPIC25), part of its ongoing programme of surveillance and monitoring operations to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across the Pacific.

The operation ran from 4 – 15 August and demonstrated the strength of collective regional action in safeguarding tuna fisheries.

OPIC25 involved 13 FFA Members:  Cook Islands, Federal States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

National operations were coordinated through the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara, where 32 secondees and partners from these Members and regional partners worked together alongside QUAD partners Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America and France, supported by regional organisations and international donors.

Eight surface patrol assets and six aircraft were deployed for the operation that had a total of 100 boardings, including 53 in port and 47 at sea. An additional 100 vessel sightings were recorded, and 12 vessels of interest were identified. Four historic cases were successfully closed in Kiribati, while several high seas transhipments were detected and are now under further investigation to determine compliance with notification requirements.

FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said that while the majority of fishing vessels monitored were found to be compliant, the success of the operation lies in its deterrence effect and its ability to scrutinise activities that may threaten the region’s fisheries.

“Operation Island Chief demonstrates the value of collective regional action. The intelligence, surveillance and enforcement support provided by our partners, from government agencies, and commercial operators, gives our Members the reach and capability needed to safeguard Pacific fisheries,” he said.

Regional organisations also played a contributing role in OPIC25, with Global Fishing Watch and the International Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (IMCS) Network, The Pacific Community (SPC), Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) providing valuable expertise and data support. Their work was complemented by commercial partners Starboard Maritime Intelligence, HawkEye360 and Maxar Technologies, who supplied tools for monitoring and analysis.

Additional backing from donor governments including Australia and Canada, further reinforced the operation’s ability to extend surveillance coverage across the region. 

Through the use of advanced satellite detection, data analysis and air surveillance, these partners strengthened the collective ability of Pacific nations to monitor fishing across vast Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and the high seas.

Operation Island Chief continues FFA’s commitment to working closely with Members and partners to protect tuna fisheries, which remain central to Pacific economies and food security.

HONIARA, 22 AUGUST 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