Use of MDA and AI tools help ‘operation Tuimoana 2025’ a success operation

The use of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools enabled real-time tracking of vessel activities which helped direct patrol assets to areas of interest more efficiently during Operation Tuimoana 2025, a successful operation.

The operation Tuimoana 2025 is a major regional maritime surveillance operation that is coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA). The operation is a key component of ongoing efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing across the Pacific region.

Over the eight-day operation, RSIPV Taro patrolled the southern and northeastern areas of the Solomon Island (SI) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), covering an impressive 2,004 nautical miles.

The operation is a joint law enforcement agency including officers from Customs, Immigration, the Ministry of Fisheries, and the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Transnational Crime Unit (TCU), working alongside Royal Solomon Island Police Vessel (RSIPV) Taro crews.

As part of its mission, RSIPV Taro conducted ten boarding inspections of fishing vessels and recorded two vessel sightings. This operation aimed to ensure that all fishing vessels operating in SI waters complied with licensing requirements and fisheries regulations.

Commanding Officer Superintendent Jimmy Kubukana said no violations or infringements were reported during the inspections, highlighting a high level of compliance during the operation within the SI EEZ.

Superintendent Kubukana emphasized that the integration of these advanced surveillance systems significantly improved the RSIPF’s operational decision-making and response capabilities, especially in identifying and responding to potential threats within the EEZ.

Inspector William Kelomae, RSIPF’s Maritime Operations Officer, said the operation's success to strong coordination between the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre, the RSIPF Maritime Force Operations Centre at Aola Base, and the onboard collaboration of law enforcement agencies.

The operation once again demonstrated the SI's strong commitment to regional maritime security, sustainable fisheries management, and the prevention of transnational maritime crime. The operation reinforces national and regional efforts to protect marine resources and safeguard the livelihoods of communities dependent on the ocean.

The RSIPF extends its sincere appreciation to the FFA for its leadership and thanks all national enforcement agencies and international partners, including the Australian Defense Force (ADF), who contributed to the success of this important operation.

The operation commenced on 8 May and finished on 18 May 2025.