Surveying security challenges on the high seas

Australia joined Pacific partners to strengthen maritime security and protect vital fisheries resources during Operation Nasse, conducted across the Pacific region in September. 

Led by the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia, the operation brought together security partners from Fiji, Naoero, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu, supported by defence, fisheries and law enforcement agencies from Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States. 

Together, participants worked to detect and deter illegal fishing and enhance regional maritime coordination.

Australia contributed ADV Reliant, specialist personnel from the ADF and Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), and fuel and victuals for Pacific nations’ Guardian-class patrol boat participation through the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP).

The ADF also embedded a liaison officer and intelligence analyst in the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) in Noumea.

These contributions enhanced regional maritime domain awareness, strengthened multinational information sharing networks and improved collective capacity to identify, understand and respond to activity occurring across the Pacific maritime environment.

During Operation Nasse, participating nations monitored more than 262,000 square kilometres with 42 vessels of interest being challenged and boarded. 

Information collected was shared through the JCC, enabling countries and agencies, including AFMA, to coordinate compliance and enforcement activities. 

Commander Joint Operations VADM Justin Jones said Pacific-led maritime security activities remained an important part of Australia's commitment to the region. 

"Australia is proud to work with Pacific partners as they lead efforts to protect their maritime resources and address shared security challenges across our region,” VADM Jones said.

"No single country can address maritime security challenges alone. Operations such as Nasse demonstrate how trusted partnerships deliver real operational outcomes. 

“By building shared awareness and operating together, we strengthen regional security and contribute to a Pacific where nations can exercise their sovereign rights free from coercion or unlawful activity.”

AFMA General Manager, Fisheries Operations Branch, Justin Bathurst, said international cooperation was essential to protecting fisheries resources and supporting Pacific communities.

"Fisheries resources are critical to the economy and wellbeing of Pacific communities, and protecting them requires strong partnerships and coordinated action," Mr Bathurst said.

"Operation Nasse supports Pacific nations to monitor and protect their maritime zones while improving collective maritime domain awareness. AFMA is proud to work alongside our Pacific partners to help protect fisheries resources for future generations.”

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