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RNZAF P3 Orion landing at Fua'amotu International Airport, Nuku'Alofa, airport in Tonga
Viliami Mo'ale, legal officer, Tonga Ministry of Fisheries; Flt Lt Michael Williams, captain of the patrol
An Air Force Orion has completed a patrol across Tonga’s exclusive economic zone as part of both countries’ ongoing commitment to managing Tonga’s border and protecting its waters against illegal fishing.
New Zealand is responsible for patrolling six million square miles of ocean, including much of the South Pacific, against Illegal Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Illegal fishing is estimated to cost Pacific Island countries up to US$400 million per year.
“New Zealand works closely with Tonga to target IUU fishing. This work is done through the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and by Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-3K Orion patrols, or NORPATS”, said New Zealand High Commissioner in Nuku’alofa, HE Christine Bogle
“In January this year a RNZAF Orion found a Taiwanese fishing vessel, Chu Huai 638, fishing illegally in Tonga’s waters. Tonga and New Zealand are now working together to bring a prosecution against that vessel,” said Christine Bogle.
Another significant task for the RNZAF in the Pacific is search and rescue operations.
In September the RNZAF joined a search for two small boats lost around Duff Reef, off the cost of Hata’afu, Tongatapu. In October 2007, the RNZAF rescued six Tongan fishermen from their boat, Denisiola, which was drifting north of Tonga.
“It’s satisfying knowing that what New Zealand does makes a difference and is appreciated by Tonga”, said Christine Bogle.
The RNZAF Orion also visited Vanuatu and Samoa to complete patrols across their EEZ’s.
