Like us, three of Australia's smaller Pacific island neighbours have troubles with outsiders poaching their vital fish resources.

Now they are doing more to halt the problem and the RAN is helping out.

The nations of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) in February, entered into an agreement for fisheries and law enforcement cooperation.

Instrumental in coordinating the signing of the agreement, part of the Niue Treaty between the three nations, were the RAN's maritime surveillance advisers attached to the nations.

LCDR Bob Heffey is deployed to Palau, LCDR Greg Rochester to FSM and LCDR Bob Thomas to RMI.

Each of the nations operates Australian built Pacific Class patrol boats.

LCDR Heffey, who until his posting to Palau was the Maritime Operations Officer in Darwin and before that the commander of a Fremantle Class patrol boat, said the February agreement follows the Niue Treaty on Cooperation in Fisheries Surveillance and Law Enforcement in the Pacific region which was signed in 1992.

The new sub-agreement enhances the ability to effectively enforce the fisheries, customs and immigration laws of each country in their territorial waters and to deter such violations.

"This cooperative agreement will enhance the ability to deter illegal fishing and preserve the environment," LCDR Heffey told Navy News.

"Under the agreement the three nations may request assistance of the other two nations to patrol its waters.

"The agreement also allows the nations to enter its neighbour's waters when in 'hot pursuit of illegally operated vessels upon proper notification.

"The three governments can also now secure jurisdiction over the individuals and assets that become involved in any violation.

"Palau's Minister of Justice noted that the agreement would lead to a 'coordinated effort, which will result in improved enforcement to deter illegal fishing and lead to enhanced resource preservation'", LCDR Heffey said.

He said Ministers Philippo (RMI) and Rosenthal (Palau) and Secretary McIlrath (FSM) recognised the vital role played by the Australians in the maritime surveillance program of each nation and the extraordinary effort of the Australian Government in assuring the execution of the agreement.

RMI Minister Philippo said of the country's marine law enforcement program; "We are very proud of our crew and the work they do and recognise that the high standards that they achieve are greatly enhanced by the training their receive in Australia."

LCDR Heffey said the three countries representatives met after the agreement was signed to discuss a joint training and patrol operation using the patrol boats from all three nations.

"The joint operation would provide an opportunity to work on a coordinated law enforcement exercise in regard to violations of fishing, customs and immigration laws and allow the crews to gain practical experience in foreign fishing vessel boardings.

"It is anticipated that, if agreed by all parties, the operation could begin in August and last between two and three weeks.

"The Maritime Advisers look forward to these wonderful opportunities of planning and executing surveillance operations with other nations, as well as improving the interoperability between the Pacific patrol boat crews," he said.

By Graham Davis