New Zealand maritime patrols in Fiji detect more infringements

A combined  team from the New Zealand Defence Force, Fiji's Ministry for Primary Industries and the Fijian Government agencies boarded 51 vessels and detected five alleged infringements during the latest patrol of Fiji's maritime water aboard Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Hawea.

The number of vessels boarded has reached almost 500 since the maritime security and fisheries patrols started more than five months ago.

Inshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS Hawea commanding officer Lieutenant Brock West said the latest alleged infringements included fishing without a licence, dumping rubbish at sea, lack of work permits and breach of safety regulations such as not having life jackets or holding master's licences.

“The local knowledge of our Fijian partner-agencies has been key to the strong results we have achieved so far,” Lieutenant West said in a statement from the NZ Defence Force.  

“There would be no let-up in focus on the patrols. The team's focus on achieving the mission remains as strong as when we started these patrols more than five months ago.

“We've also noted a greater public awareness of Hawea's work in Fiji.”

Maritime Component Commander Commodore Jim Gilmour said the operation had strengthened longstanding military ties and people-to-people links between the two countries.

“Through these combined patrols, we have been able to support the Fiji Navy on maritime surveillance and in developing their capability. These have also helped our sailors enhance their general mariner skills,” Commodore Gilmour said in the statement.

The NZDF sent Hawea to Fiji in April early this year to help patrol the South Pacific country's territorial water and Exclusive Economic Zone, which encompasses more than 1.1 million square kilometres.

About 40 Fiji Navy sailors have joined the ship for training so far.


SOURCE: FIJI TIMES