Joint Patrol Operation Finds High Compliance Among East Cape Fishing Fleet

A joint operation by the Royal New Zealand Navy and Fisheries New Zealand has found high levels of compliance among commercial fishing vessels operating off the East Cape.

The three-week operation also covered waters further north to Cape Reinga, with fisheries officers joining the crew of HMNZS Taupō to inspect vessels working offshore.

27 vessels of interest were identified during Operation Kauwae, including commercial trawlers, purse seiners, longliners and bottom longliners.

Inspectors found four minor infringements, which are being followed up, but said overall compliance was high.

A Fisheries New Zealand officer conducts a vessel inspection under the watchful eye of crew aboard one of HMNZS Taupo’s RHIBs. IMAGE // New Zealand Defence Force

HMNZS Taupō commanding officer Lieutenant Commander Toby Mara said the operation showed the value of the long-running partnership between the Navy and Fisheries New Zealand.

"This type of important monitoring operation is one we conduct on a regular basis, and each deployment builds on the interoperability skills of our young sailors," Mara said.

He said operating up to 70 kilometres offshore allowed fisheries officers to inspect vessels working further from the coast.

"Being that far out allowed them access to commercial fishing vessels operating further offshore, significantly extending the effectiveness of their monitoring activities."

With HMNZS Taupo in the background, a member of its boarding party oversees a fishing vessel inspection. IMAGE // New Zealand Defence Force

Fisheries New Zealand regional manager for the North Andre Espinoza said the inspections helped ensure fisheries remained sustainable.

"Our fisheries are an important natural resource that must be carefully managed to ensure they remain sustainable for future generations," he said.

Espinoza said HMNZS Taupō enabled fisheries officers to reach areas that would not normally be accessible during a single day's patrol.

"Working with the Navy enables us to provide persistent compliance coverage of an area over a number of days."

Royal New Zealand Navy and Fisheries New Zealand personnel inspect a commercial fishing boat. IMAGE // New Zealand Defence Force

HMNZS Taupō is one of the Navy's inshore patrol vessels, designed for maritime surveillance and patrol missions.

During the operation, its rigid-hulled inflatable boats were used to ferry fisheries officers to commercial fishing vessels for inspections.