A Samoan fisheries officer took part in a regional operation against illegal fishing last month, joining Pacific partners in efforts to protect fisheries resources across the region.
The operation, known as Tui Moana maritime surveillance fisheries control operation of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), was conducted from 4 May to 22 May. Ten Pacific Island countries, including Samoa, participated.
The French Embassy said Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries officer Vaa Reupena joined the operation as an observer aboard a French Navy Falcon 200 Guardian aircraft deployed to Samoa. During the mission, he took part in an aerial surveillance flight over Samoa's Exclusive Economic Zone.
The operation also involved support from Australia, New Zealand, France, and the United States through the Pacific Quad partnership.
The operation focused on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
