Southern Ocean Surveillance Patrols: New Zealand’s Commitment To Upholding Antarctic Conservation Rules

This summer, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries, will conduct maritime patrols in the Southern Ocean to help protect Antarctic marine ecosystems and economically important fish stocks.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force will deploy P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to the Ross Sea to detect and deter any illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and check compliance of licensed fishers.

Steve Ham, Director of MPI Fisheries Compliance, says these efforts are critical.

“Without monitoring fishing activity in high value fisheries such as this there is a real risk of vessel operators flouting the rules to secure financial advantages over compliant fishers”.

The NZDF’s Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott, said aircrew would track and observe vessels, monitor fishing activity, check compliance, collect evidence of any suspected IUU fishing, and monitor for by-catch of protected species such as seabirds.

“Any suspected breaches identified during patrols are reported to relevant flag state authorities for investigation and appropriate action,” he said.

These patrols reinforce New Zealand’s commitment to protect the ecologically sensitive Southern Ocean environment, support sustainable fishing practices, and uphold the international rules that govern this region.

New Zealand is an active member of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) – the international body dedicated to safeguarding the unique marine ecosystems in Antarctic waters. Under CCAMLR rules, the Ross Sea fishery which opens on 1 December, is strictly limited to vessels flagged to member nations, operating under approved permits, and in compliance with conservation measures, including agreed catch limits.

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