A joint fisheries operation between the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) across a significant area of ocean from Cape Reinga to the East Cape has shown New Zealand-based commercial fishing operators are largely following the rules.

Fisheries officers joined the crew aboard Inshore Patrol Vessel HMNZS Taupo for Operation Kauwae, a three-week fisheries monitoring operation covering the area.

Twenty-seven vessels of interest were identified, and inspections were carried out on commercial trawlers, purse seiners, longliners and bottom longliners.

Overall, there was a high level of compliance with four minor infringements identified, which are being followed up for further action.

HMNZS Taupo commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Toby Mara, said the operation highlighted the value of the long-standing partnership between the RNZN and FNZ in protecting New Zealand’s valuable fisheries resource.

“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,” he said.

“We were up to 70 kilometres off the coast so having fishery officers embarked meant for an entire week they could wake-up on station, immediately ready to begin work.

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

FNZ regional manager north Andre Espinoza said FNZ greatly appreciated the continued support provided by the RNZN.

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

“Fishery compliance is the key way we do this. HMNZS Taupo provided an excellent platform for us to achieve these inspections which occurred in areas not typically accessible within a single day of patrolling. Working with the Navy enables us to provide persistent compliance coverage of an area over a number of days.”

HMNZS Taupo was designed for maritime surveillance and patrol missions in New Zealand waters. It carries two rigid hulled inflatable boats which the crew used to transport fishery officers to the fishing vessels for inspections.