11 Agustus 2020
Fisheries contribute approximately US$1 billion annually to the economies of Pacific countries and generate about 25,000 jobs. Fisheries revenue is particularly important at the moment due to the significant reduction in tourism revenue for many Pacific Island countries (all photos : NZDF)
Our maritime surveillance patrols in partnership with Pacific nations and other agencies are operating well within the new normal of COVID-19 considerations.
With border closures and other restrictions in place as a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, there have been concerns about illegal fishing activity.
Crew on our Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion aircraft covered more than 735,000 square nautical miles on Pacific patrols including over the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of Fiji, Niue, the Cook Islands, the Solomon Islands, with further patrols to come.
Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Otago was recently on patrols with Republic of Fiji Navy ships in Fiji. A Seasprite helicopter on board the ship provided aerial support, in addition to surveillance by the Orion.
The opportunity to work with our Pacific partners and other agencies safely in a COVID environment has been a real success. The safety, security and prosperity of the Pacific is important to us.
(NZDF)