In a landmark event for Samoa and the broader Pacific region, the official opening of Operation Ika Moana was held in Apia Monday, marking a new chapter in sustainable ocean management, regional maritime cooperation, and fisheries protection.
The launch ceremony, held at Apia Wharf, brought together high-level dignitaries, including the caretaker Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, the Commissioner of Police Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, representatives from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), international partners, and other key maritime stakeholders.
Operation Ika Moana is a collaborative maritime surveillance initiative designed to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing across the Pacific.
The program brings together national and regional patrol capabilities, enhancing cooperation and information sharing between Pacific nations.
In her keynote address, Fiame stressed the strategic importance of the operation.
“The importance of Operation Ika Moana lies in uniting our maritime forces, patrols, information sharing, and coordinated effort to deter threats,” she said.
Commissioner Auapaau emphasized that the operation is about protecting Samoa’s resources and sending a clear message that illegal fishing will not be tolerated in Samoan waters.
“Through regional partnerships and coordinated patrols, we can respond faster, share intelligence more effectively, and hold offenders accountable,” he said.
The week-long operation will see patrol boats deployed to various areas within Samoa’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and parts of the high seas in the Pacific.
Observer nations will provide oversight from the Operation Centre at the Police Maritime Wing in Matautu, enabling real-time coordination and rapid responses to potential infringements.
