From France to the Pacific: One Navy Officer’s Commitment to Protecting Regional Fisheries

For nearly two decades, the sea has been both a workplace and a calling for French Navy Petty Officer Romain Fouquet.

Originally from Tours in mainland France, he never imagined that one day he would be stationed in Noumea, New Caledonia, working alongside Pacific Island countries to help protect one of the world’s most valuable marine resources.

Now, after 18 years in the French Navy, he serves in the Law Enforcement at Sea, working with the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC) and regional partners to monitor fishing activities across the Southwest Pacific.

His motivation for joining the Navy was simple.

“Adventure, a passion for the sea, and finding a way to serve my country,” he says.

Those reasons still remain strong today. For Romain, the ocean is much more than a place of work.

“It is a fragile environment to protect, an area where the law applies and where life and beauty intertwine.”

That commitment brought him to Operation Tui Moana 2026, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) annual regional surveillance operation that brings countries and partners together to strengthen fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance across the Pacific.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my nation and to strengthen the ties between us and the partners of P-QUAD, as well as with all our Pacific colleagues at the FFA.”

While the operation centred on technical discussions, briefings and joint planning, it was the camaraderie amongst participants that left the strongest impression. And, one of his highlights was the closing briefing and certificate presentation. 

“The end of operation briefing and diploma presentation with all participating countries was a great moment for exchange,” he adds.

For Romain, the training was about more than operational outcomes, it was also about building relationships and learning from colleagues across the region. Presenting briefings in English pushed him outside his comfort zone but it was during some of the busiest moments of the operation that he witnessed what he believes defines Pacific cooperation.

“The last two days were particularly intense due to certain events,” he recalls. “Nevertheless, what I take away from this is the solidarity among all participants and, above all, the shared commitment to work together for a noble mission.”

Living and working in New Caledonia has given him a deep appreciation for the importance of sustainable fisheries management.

“The regulation and protection of tuna remains a priority in New Caledonia’s Exclusive Economic Zone to ensure long-term self-sufficiency and guarantee the preservation of the species.”

Looking across the room at fellow fisheries and maritime officers from across the Pacific, he sees reason for optimism.

“What gives me hope is the sustainable collaboration and strengthening the strong ties between island nations and partner nations, working together for environmental protection.”

As he headed home, he carried with him new knowledge and skills, and a deeper understanding of the challenges facing fisheries management in the Pacific. At the heart of his work is a simple belief that protecting the ocean means protecting the future. He hopes people better understand the important role fisheries officers play. 

“They participate in educating sea users about fishing. It is important for people to understand how vital the balance of an environment like the Pacific is, in the short, medium and long term, and that fisheries officers are the guardians and guarantors of this environment.”

He acknowledged Pacific Leadership and encouraged continued efforts to protect marine resources.

“We are on the right track when it comes to protecting species. The Pacific has shown strong leadership, and those efforts must continue.”

As Operation Tui Moana came to a close, he left Honiara grateful for the experience, the friendships formed and the partnerships that continue to strengthen the region’s collective efforts to safeguard its fisheries resources.

“Thank you to FFA for the experience.”

About Operation Tui Moana 2026

Operation Tui Moana 2026, led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), brought together fisheries, maritime and law enforcement personnel from across the Pacific to strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other transnational maritime crimes.

The three-week operation covered the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of 10 Pacific Island countries and adjacent high seas areas, combining maritime patrols, aerial surveillance, intelligence analysis and compliance monitoring. At its centre was the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara, where 21 secondees from FFA Members, partner agencies and monitoring, control and surveillance organisations worked together to coordinate intelligence, planning and surveillance activities.

During the operation, authorities conducted 61 vessel inspections, verified more than 200 vessel detections, identified four vessels of interest and made two apprehensions linked to suspected fisheries-related offences.

Operation Tui Moana also strengthened regional cooperation under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement through joint surveillance activities, boarding exercises and intelligence sharing. As fisheries compliance challenges continue to evolve, operations such as Tui Moana play a vital role in protecting Pacific fisheries resources, supporting the sustainable management of tuna stocks and ensuring the benefits remain with Pacific people, in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

HONIARA, 16 JUNE 2026

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