“Conducted from 4 – 22 May 2026, Operation Tui Moana involved the participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu, with support from Pacific Quad (P-QUAD) partners Australia, New Zealand, France and the United States, alongside regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) partners.”
“The Operation covered the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of 10 Pacific Island countries and adjacent high seas areas within the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, combining maritime patrols, aerial surveillance, intelligence analysis and compliance monitoring to identify and deter potential fisheries violations.”
“During OPTM26, authorities conducted 61 vessel inspections at sea and in port and verified more than 200 vessel detections across the area of operation. Intelligence and surveillance activities also identified four vessels of interest and led to two apprehensions linked to suspected fisheries-related offences, including concerns involving vessel monitoring system (VMS) non-reporting, unauthorised bunkering and transhipment activities, and log sheet reporting compliance. Investigations and enforcement actions remain ongoing under national and regional processes.”
“Operational assets included six Guardian Class Patrol Boats from participating Pacific Island countries, supported by the United States Coast Guard and French Navy. Aerial surveillance missions were conducted with assistance from the Australian Defence Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, United States Coast Guard and regional surveillance aircraft operating under bilateral fisheries surveillance arrangements.”