A successful six-day joint maritime patrol between Fiji and the United States Coast Guard has strengthened efforts to protect Fiji’s waters from illegal fishing, smuggling and other illicit maritime activities.

The Shiprider Operation, conducted from the 22st to 26 June 2026 aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane, brought together officers from the Ministry of Fisheries, Republic of Fiji Navy, Fiji Police Force and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service to work alongside the U.S. Coast Guard in safeguarding Fiji’s maritime resources.

The operation focused on Fiji’s eastern and southern maritime sectors, where seasonal movements of foreign fishing fleets and yachts are currently at their highest.

A total of 32 vessel boardings were conducted, with Fiji Revenue and Customs Service leading inspections of 26 pleasure crafts, while Ministry of Fisheries officers carried out compliance inspections and audits on six foreign fishing vessels to ensure adherence to fisheries regulations and conservation laws.

The Ministry of Fisheries was represented by two officers from its Offshore Fisheries Management Division as part of a seven-member Fijian interagency team comprising:

there were also two officers from the Republic of Fiji Navy, two from the Fiji Police Force, one from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and two officer from the Ministry of Fisheries.

The operation also demonstrated the value of modern technology, with Starlink satellite internet enabling boarding teams to maintain real-time communication with the Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre, improving coordination, operational efficiency and safety throughout the patrol.

During the post-operation debrief, both countries identified opportunities to further strengthen future operations, including introducing specialised detection equipment and underwater Remote Operated Vehicles, updating joint Standard Operating Procedures, standardising tactical and protective equipment, and improving intelligence gathering through earlier access to vessel crew information.

The successful operation highlights the strong partnership between Fiji and the United States Coast Guard and reinforces the Ministry of Fisheries’ commitment to protecting Fiji’s fisheries resources through regional cooperation, effective enforcement and enhanced maritime security.