A boarding team comes alongside HMS Tamar Photo: Royal Navy
A 10-strong Royal New Zealand Navy contingent has completed a six-week deployment to counter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in Fiji's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
They did a sweep of Fiji's waters for vessels fishing illegally, as well as other illicit activity including poor crew welfare, pollution, or involvement in the shark fin trade.
Partnering with Fijian fishery officers, they intercepted and boarded 23 vessels, all of which were complying with the terms of their licences - although several were found to have minor infractions with their long-line fishing practices.
Local authorities said this could be due to a recent policy change, which is still being communicated to vessels.
An eight-person deployable boarding team from HMNZS Matataua - the Royal New Zealand Navy's littoral warfare support unit - along with two junior warfare officers embarked the United Kingdom's Royal Navy vessel HMS Tamar in Auckland in March.
HMS Tamar is a Batch 2 River-Class Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Royal Navy. Alongside its sister ship HMS Spey, it is forward-deployed to the Indo-Pacific as part of the UK's enduring commitment to the region.
Petty Officer Seaman Combat Specialist Jordan McHugh and Able Hydrographic Systems Operator Mya-Marie Wells on board a vessel of interest Photo: Royal Navy
Lieutenant Jack Walters, officer in charge of the deployable boarding team, said it was heartening to see there were no concerning reports from any of the vessels they observed or boarded.
"There is an estimated loss of FJ$600 million (approx. NZ$440m) to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Pacific region each year," Lieutenant Walters said.
"This combined effort has strengthened deterrence and enforcement in the region, which has a direct correlation to the prosperity of our Pacific Island neighbours."
Sub Lieutenant Darren Pace was one of the two junior warfare officers on board, and said the opportunity enabled them to experience life on a foreign warship and gain valuable exposure to boarding operations.
"Conducting bridge watches on HMS Tamar was an awesome opportunity to gain and maintain navigation skills that will support our career development."
Fiji's EEZ covers 1.29 million square kilometres.