Australia Assists In Mission Against Illegal Fishing
As part of Operation Rai Balang launched by the Pacific Island Forum Fishing Agency Australia has been recently helping in the mission to combat illegal fishing activities in the region. Australia’s contribution was named Operation Solania. The mission primarily focused on the South West Pacific leading to 14.1 million square kilometers of water covered. The mission resulted in 24 boat boardings helping ensure a sustainable fishing economy for the region.
An Australian Air Force C-27J lands at Honiara Airport, Solomon Islands, during Operation Solania. Photo: Sergeant Christopher Dickson
““For me as a Solomon Islander, I felt proud that the ADF was supporting us in one of our key priorities to support regional operations and our Pacific Island nations,””
Australia's contribution consisted of a C-27J from RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, a B300 King Air from RAAF Base East Sale located in Victoria. Naval assets from Australia consisted of HMAS Maryborough an Armidale class patrol vessel. The C-27J was assigned to high-level patrols at the edge of nations EEZ leaving the B300 to patrol waters that were closer to the shore.
The mission also saw 8 other nations take part in they included, France, United States & New Zealand each helping ensure any illegal & suspected illegal activities were reported & dealt with. The Australian Ministry of Defence has reported what some of the assets contributed by those nations they included a US Navy P-8 Poseidon, US Coat Guard HC-130, The French navy patrol vessel D’Entrecasteaux along with the USCGC Sequoia.