The Royal New Zealand Navy Inshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS Hawea which has been assisting the Fijian government in maritime surveillance in our waters continues to patrol our waters.
In a joint conference between the Royal New Zealand Navy and the Fiji Navy, Chief of the Fijian Navy, Captain Humphrey Tawake has thanked the New Zealand Navy for their support.
Captain Tawake says the New Zealand Navy has helped to identify problem areas in our waters, and boarded 250 vessels for inspection.
He says after the identification of environmental problems, the Navy can only do so much as their responsibility is out at sea.
Captain Tawake says part of the responsibility falls on the Department of Environment, the Ports Authority on how well they manage the port area.
He says in terms of climate change they are trying now to resurvey most of Fiji’s waters through their Hydrographic Services because of the level of sea rise.
Maritime Component Commander Royal New Zealand Navy, Commodore Jim Gilmour says providing this assistance is beneficial for our region.
Commodore Gilmour says they are concerned about the illegal fishing trade, the environment and global warming and trans national crimes.
Earlier, the Navy had confirmed that they had found cases of illegal fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone, dumping of rubbish in the waters, and some vessels not following proper safety procedures.
Some infringements that were found included vessels fishing without licences, illegal use of underwater breathing apparatus for fishing, safety infringements such as not holding master’s licences, not having lifejackets and overloading of vessels.
