Operation Kurukuru 2025 delivers strong results
The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has concluded Operation Kurukuru 2025 (OPKK25), the region’s largest coordinated maritime surveillance operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing across the Pacific.
The Operation was held over three weeks from 13 – 31 October 2025 – including the pre-op training – and brought together all 17 FFA Members, supported by the Pacific Quadrilateral (QUADs) partners from Australia, New Zealand, France and the United States. Surveillance covered more than 30 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean, combining national and regional efforts to detect, deter and report IUU fishing.
OPKK25 coordination team at the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara. Photo: FFA
OPKK25 recorded 126 vessel inspections, including 84 in ports and 42 at sea, along with 56 vessel sightings. Eleven high risk vessels of interest were identified, while one vessel was apprehended for suspected offences.
These results were consistent with earlier regional operations this year, reflecting improvements in targeted surveillance using intelligence-led planning and the use of modern maritime domain awareness platforms. Integration of satellite, electromagnetic and optical imagery through technology service providers enhanced the detection of vessels operating without tracking signals and strengthened risk targeting.
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said the operation was an important milestone in delivering on the goals of the Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Strategy 2025 – 2029, which aims to optimise compliance and strengthen fisheries enforcement across the Pacific.
“Operation Kurukuru 2025 is more than just an annual surveillance exercise. It marks the first full year implementation of our Regional MCS Strategy,” Mr Pakop said. “It demonstrates how policy commitments are being put into action through coordinated patrols, intelligence sharing and targeted enforcement. Our Members are using data and technology more effectively than ever to protect their tuna resources.”
Mr Pakop said the steady detection rate and follow-up actions show the value of sustained regional coordination. “These outcomes confirm that our approach to intelligence-driven operations is delivering real results. We are identifying high-risk vessels earlier and directing assets more efficiently, even across vast ocean areas,” he said.
He also highlighted the record participation of women in the coordination team, with 11 female secondees joining the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara, the highest number for any FFA-led operation to date.
Some of the female secondees at the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre during OPKK25. Photo: FFA
The operation involved surface and aerial assets from the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga, supported by aircraft from Australia, New Zealand, France and the United States.
It also included high seas coverage under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) framework, with surveillance operations conducted by the French Navy, Cook Islands and FFA King Air aircraft.
Thirteen daily intelligence briefs were produced throughout the operation, combining data from regional systems such as the FFA Regional Surveillance Picture, FFA Regional Information Management Facility and Starboard Maritime Intelligence platform to guide national headquarters and surveillance assets. This ensured patrols were coordinated effectively despite weather disruptions and concurrent national commitments.
Mr Pakop acknowledged the continued support of the Pacific QUADs, the Pacific Maritime Security Program, and the contributions of regional MCS and technology partners including Global Fishing Watch, the International MCS Network, Canada DVD, JIATF-W, Secretariat of Pacific Community and HE360.
“Operation Kurukuru 2025 reinforces that monitoring, control and surveillance continues to be a key component of sound fisheries management in the region. Our shared efforts are essential to keep our tuna resources sustainable and beneficial for all Pacific people.”
HONIARA, 31 OCTOBER 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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