This week we are pleased to deliver Phase 1 of the FFA Regional Monitoring Control and Surveillance Strategy (RMCSS) Data Analysis Training at the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji.
The training programme is part of a regional initiative to support capability development at the national and regional level to support effective MCS activities and enforcement response.
Participants from nine FFA Members (Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) and recognised technology and MCS partners have come together to develop their skills and strategies in the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
FFA Director of Fisheries Operations Allan Rahari remarked at the opening of the training on Monday: “The FFA RMCSS Data Analysis Training initiative aims to support capability development at the national level to support effective MCS activities and enforcement response.
“This first phase is a start of an ongoing program the FFA Secretariat has prioritised under the RMCSS 2024-29. Reflecting on the theme, using technology as an enabler to have accurate information on all catch, effort, and vessel fishing activity, as well as access to relevant tools from our partners and skills necessary to implement effective, intelligence-driven MCS.”
The training focuses on:
* Using the FFA MCS Data Analysis Guideline to direct MCS responses and support enforcement actions.
*Leveraging cutting-edge Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) tools for risk assessment and intelligence-led operations.
* Strengthening collaboration through practical exercises and knowledge-sharing sessions between the Secretariat, Members and Partners.
Themed “Technology as an enabler to compile data analysis for compliance assessment and identification of IUU fishing activities and Maritime Domain Awareness,” the training empowers FFA Members to maximise the use of data for effective fisheries management
The FFA thanked its valued partners—IMCS Network, SPC FAME and GEM, Global Fishing Watch, Starboard, C4ADs, Skylight HE360, AFMA, NZ MPI and others—who have supported this initiative.
