Royal New Zealand Navy’s inshore patrol vessel HMNZS Taupo left Auckland today to spend the next three months conducting maritime patrols in Fiji.

The New Zealand Defence Force, with support from the Primary Industries Ministry, will help Fiji patrol its vast Exclusive Economic Zone and train its Navy sailors for the second consecutive year.

The patrols by HMNZS Taupo, in support of the Fiji Navy, will involve the usual compliance monitoring activities, which include two Fishery Officers from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries assisting with boarding and inspection of vessels.

Last year, the NZDF sent inshore patrol vessel HMNZS Hawea to Fiji to help patrol the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Major General Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, says the combined maritime surveillance operations will contribute to the multinational effort to ensure sustainable management of fishery resources in the South West Pacific.

The combined patrols last year achieved strong results, with about 550 vessels boarded and 110 alleged infringements detected.

About 50 Fijian Navy sailors, 27 Customs Officers and 19 Fishery Officers also trained on Hawea.