Hawea Ready to Depart, Navy Prepares for Operation Wasawasa 2018
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces' Fijian Navy is now preparing for Operation Wasawasa 2018. Operation Wasawasa is a partnership patrol surveillance initiative between the Fijian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Defence Force's Hawea and its personnel. It includes the Ministry of Fisheries and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service.
Hawea will be back again next year. Fiji Navy Commander Captain (Navy) Humphrey Tawake said the operation was a success.
The Hawea's statistics, he said, clearly showed the success and effectiveness of its patrol of Fiji's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
Coverage and surveillance:
84 days at sea, covered 10,820 nautical miles which is equivalent to HMNZS Hawea sailing eight times the distance between New Zealand and Fiji during operation Wasawasa 17, 528 boarding conducted an average of 40 boardings per patrol or seven per day, 20 per cent of vessels boarded had infringements.
Altogether there were 107 total infringements – 56 no licence, 11 discarding rubbish at sea, 21 safety infringements, 18 illegal fishing practices and 1 immigration visa expired.
A total of 45 Fiji Navy personnel sailed with the HMNZS Hawea.
At yesterday's farewell, Royal New Zealand Defence Force Maritime Component Commander Commodore Jim Gilmour said: “Operation Wasawasa 17 was another example of New Zealand's relationship and commitment to the region and in particular Fiji.”
Meanwhile Fiji authorities will investigate and follow up on all the alleged infringements and impose appropriate sanctions under the state's national jurisdiction.
These investigations have already resulted in further education, fines and the confiscation of fishing gear, catch and equipment.
The Hawea is expected to depart for Auckland next week.