The Australian Defence Force (ADF) identified 12 vessels of interest near the Cook Islands and Tonga during a multinational surveillance mission to detect and deter illegal fishing.

Under Operation Solania, a Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan and personnel worked alongside the Royal New Zealand Air Force in support of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s Operation Tui Moana.

It was the ADF’s first deployment to the Cook Islands under Operation Solania with air riders from the Ministry of Marine Resources integrated into airborne missions, enhancing local capability.

Lieutenant Commander Tuariki Henry, Commanding Officer of Cook Islands’ Guardian-class patrol boat Te Kukupa II, led a combined crew of Royal New Zealand Navy and Cook Islands police in maritime surveillance.

“The main focus of the operation was to collect as much intelligence out at sea as we could on illegal fisheries and customs,” Lieutenant Commander Henry said.

Cook Islands Police regularly work with the New Zealande Defence Force and the ADF, undertaking their patrol boat training in Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program.

“Working with the Royal New Zealand Navy has been great, and we both learn from each other to make things better,” Lieutenant Commander Henry said.

'Countries in the Pacific lose more that $600 million to illegal fishing, so it’s great to have the C-27J Spartan here.'

Cook Islands Police Commissioner Toekotai Joseph emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in protecting Pacific fisheries and fighting transnational crime.

“The objective of this operation was to ensure that our country is protected,” he said. 

“We can’t do that on our own, we need the support of Australia and New Zealand to be with us.”

Prime Minister Cook Islands Mark Brown said the ADF air surveillance under Operation Solania provided critical support to nations with limited aerial capability.

“The surveillance missions really add value to Pacific Island countries who don’t have the resources or the capacity and capabilities to conduct the aerial surveillance that is provided for us now,” Mr Brown said. 

Australian High Commissioner to Cook Islands Susannah Hodson highlighted the broader impact of the deployment.

“Countries in the Pacific lose more that $600 million to illegal fishing, so it’s great to have the C-27J Spartan here,” Ms Hodson said.

“It complements Cook Islands’ marine asset, Te Kukupa II, with now an air-based asset as well.”

The ADF also supported engagement activities with government officials in Cook Islands and Tonga, demonstrating Australia’s ongoing commitment to regional partnership for fisheries enforcement.