FFA boosts Solomons maritime efforts to tackle IUU Fishing

THE Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) this week stepped in to help advance the efforts of the Solomon Islands Maritime Police to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing with a new camera body technology assistance.

FFA DFO Allan Rahari, third from right, and colleague Yohni Fepuleai, far left, join RSIPF staff to present the body camera technology. Photo: FFA

A brief statement from the FFA said Solomon Islands’ efforts to combat illegal fishing will be enhanced with the support of the new body camera technology supplied.

FFA Director Fisheries Operation Allan Rahari and Surveillance Operations Officer Yohni Fepuleai met with Solomon Islands Director Maritime, Nevol Soko and Commanding Officers for the official handover of the cameras on board RSIPV Taro at Aola Base.

During the handover ceremony, Rahari explained that this first phase provides support for vessel search and evidence collection, improving integrity and accuracy of reports, and enhancing safety of officers. 

“The tools have been procured to enhance regional monitoring and surveillance and in response to Members’ equipment resource requests. Some of the needs include safety equipment and innovative technology in response to COVID-19 impacts on restriction of movement and contact onboard vessels,” Mr Rahari explained.

Welcoming the aid, RSIPF Maritime Division Director Nevol acknowledged the FFA support.

“Police Maritime have never had cameras for boarding officers before so these cameras will certainly contribute to the safety of officers,” said Director Nevol.

“They will help us in implementing COVID-19 protocols and in collecting evidence during sea inspections.

“Both boarding parties of RSIPV Taro and Gizo will be equipped with cameras during patrols and inspections. We sincerely thank the FFA Director General for this resource support,” he added.

Solomon Islands RSIPF is one of the beneficiaries of the support to 10 Member Countries. This support is funded by the FFA PROP program, which is funded by the World Bank.