Editor's Note: Click here to download video.
HONOLULU – The U.S. Coast Guard completed participation July 11 in Operation Nasse, a three-month operation conducted by Australia, France, New Zealand, and the U.S. to safeguard the marine resources of Pacific Island nations.
Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands joined international partners from the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group (PQUAD) to combat illegal fishing in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.
Coast Guard Oceania District hosted the joint coordination center for Operation Nasse at Coast Guard Base Honolulu, synchronizing aerial and sea assets in targeted high seas areas.
Participating nations deployed assets including medium endurance cutter USCGC Harriet Lane (WMEC 903), New South Wales Police Force Offshore Patrol Vessel Nemesis, French Navy ships Auguste Benebig and Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai, Gardian aircraft from the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia, a P8-A from the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and a King Air airplane from the Pacific Islands Forum Fishing Agency.
The operation covered over 6.54 million square nautical miles and resulted in:
- 80 aerial sightings of fishing vessels
- 31 high seas boardings
- 39 potential violations reported, which were referred to the relevant flag state
Operation Nasse aims to improve understanding of fishing practices and compliance issues, the accuracy of regional fishing activity data, and the health assessment of key fish stocks, especially South Pacific Albacore. It also aids in the practical application and enforcement of international fisheries conservation and management measures.
“This multinational operation is integral to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Pacific Ocean,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mary Kate Wheeler, joint coordination center commander for Operation Nasse. “Protecting marine resources, ensuring sustainable fisheries, and safeguarding the livelihood of Pacific Island nations all contribute to stability within the region. We are grateful to our Pacific Partners for their invaluable contributions and close coordination through every step of this mission.”
For more information follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
-USCG-