HMNZS Otago ends patrol of Southern Ocean
The New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) maritime and aerial surveillance crews who have been on patrol in the Southern Ocean have returned home in time for Christmas, having boarded six licensed fishing vessels and checked them for compliance.
“Our patrols covered a lot of ground during the patrol. There was no mistaking the message that we want to get across — we are serious about ensuring compliance with fishing regulations in the Southern Ocean,” Major General Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said.
The NZDF was committed to enforcing the Government’s pledge to safeguard the unique and fragile environment of the Southern Ocean, Major General Gall said.
The NZDF deployed offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Otago and a P-3K2 Orion surveillance aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s 5 Squadron to carry out the compliance patrols as part of a multi-agency operation to support the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
CCAMLR works to conserve the Antarctic marine ecosystem and regulate the Southern Ocean fisheries.
“We boarded and inspected six licensed fishing vessels in the Ross Sea region,” Lieutenant Commander Lorna Gray, the Commanding Officer of Otago, said.
“The boarding party consisted of fishery officers from the Ministry for Primary Industries and crew from Otago. All of the fishing vessels co-operated with the boarding team,” she said.
“While most fishing vessels that operate in the Southern Ocean are compliant, we need to ensure ongoing adherence to the rules that govern the licensed fleet, and guard against the return of illegal operators. Fisheries patrols are an important part of this international effort.”
HMNZS Otago arrived at Devonport Naval Base last night, in time for Christmas after a month away patrolling the Ross Sea region of the Southern Ocean.
The NZDF conducts an annual patrol during the summer months using Royal New Zealand Navy surface and RNZAF air assets in support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and CCAMLR.
Otago’s role was to detect and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activity in support of CCAMLR and promote and protect New Zealand’s interests in the Southern Ocean, in particular the Ross Sea.
The monitoring of fishing activities in the Southern Ocean took on a new impetus this year, with the Ross Sea region Marine Protected Area coming into effect on 1 December with the establishment of the Marine Protected Area.
The NZDF has a key role in making sure its boundaries are respected.
