Latest news with #MCS
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Operation TUI MOANA 2025 Concludes With Strong Regional Coordination
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The operation concluded on Friday 23 May 2025, with the successful participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. HONIARA, 27 MAY 2025 – Ten Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) took part in Operation TUI MOANA 2025 (OPTM25), a two-week regional operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across FFA Members' Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and adjacent high seas areas within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) area. The operation concluded on Friday 23 May 2025, with the successful participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A key highlight of OPTM25 involved the listing of nine vessels of interest (VOI), including one confirmed apprehension for suspected IUU fishing activities. Furthermore, a total of 76 fishing vessels were boarded – 30 in port and 46 at sea – with an additional 31 vessel sightings and 4,937 satellite detections recorded. FFA Officer in Charge of the Fisheries Operations Division, Jason Raubani, praised the collaborative efforts during OPTM25's final briefing. 'The success of OPTM25 highlights the continued strong regional cooperation that is in place, and the commitment to protecting the rights of Members and their valuable tuna resources.' He noted that follow-up investigations are already underway and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through national enforcement efforts and regional coordination. Supporting the operation were the Pacific QUADs – Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States – along with key monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) partners. A team of 29 national officers representing the participating Members, along with P-QUAD and partner personnel, were based at the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara throughout the operation. They coordinated real-time surveillance and intelligence efforts, directing surface and aerial patrols across the region. The RFSC team developed daily intelligence briefings using MCS tools and surveillance data, which were used to guide operations and inspections by national authorities and partner agencies. The operation also reinforced cooperation under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement, allowing joint action across maritime boundaries and information sharing.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Operation TUI MOANA 2025 Concludes With Strong Regional Coordination
Press Release – Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency The operation concluded on Friday 23 May 2025, with the successful participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. HONIARA, 27 MAY 2025 – Ten Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) took part in Operation TUI MOANA 2025 (OPTM25), a two-week regional operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across FFA Members' Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and adjacent high seas areas within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) area. The operation concluded on Friday 23 May 2025, with the successful participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A key highlight of OPTM25 involved the listing of nine vessels of interest (VOI), including one confirmed apprehension for suspected IUU fishing activities. Furthermore, a total of 76 fishing vessels were boarded – 30 in port and 46 at sea – with an additional 31 vessel sightings and 4,937 satellite detections recorded. FFA Officer in Charge of the Fisheries Operations Division, Jason Raubani, praised the collaborative efforts during OPTM25's final briefing. 'The success of OPTM25 highlights the continued strong regional cooperation that is in place, and the commitment to protecting the rights of Members and their valuable tuna resources.' He noted that follow-up investigations are already underway and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through national enforcement efforts and regional coordination. Supporting the operation were the Pacific QUADs – Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States – along with key monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) partners. A team of 29 national officers representing the participating Members, along with P-QUAD and partner personnel, were based at the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara throughout the operation. They coordinated real-time surveillance and intelligence efforts, directing surface and aerial patrols across the region. The RFSC team developed daily intelligence briefings using MCS tools and surveillance data, which were used to guide operations and inspections by national authorities and partner agencies. The operation also reinforced cooperation under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement, allowing joint action across maritime boundaries and information sharing.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Operation TUI MOANA 2025 Concludes With Strong Regional Coordination
HONIARA, 27 MAY 2025 – Ten Members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) took part in Operation TUI MOANA 2025 (OPTM25), a two-week regional operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across FFA Members' Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and adjacent high seas areas within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) area. The operation concluded on Friday 23 May 2025, with the successful participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. A key highlight of OPTM25 involved the listing of nine vessels of interest (VOI), including one confirmed apprehension for suspected IUU fishing activities. Furthermore, a total of 76 fishing vessels were boarded – 30 in port and 46 at sea – with an additional 31 vessel sightings and 4,937 satellite detections recorded. FFA Officer in Charge of the Fisheries Operations Division, Jason Raubani, praised the collaborative efforts during OPTM25's final briefing. 'The success of OPTM25 highlights the continued strong regional cooperation that is in place, and the commitment to protecting the rights of Members and their valuable tuna resources.' He noted that follow-up investigations are already underway and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through national enforcement efforts and regional coordination. Supporting the operation were the Pacific QUADs – Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United States – along with key monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) partners. A team of 29 national officers representing the participating Members, along with P-QUAD and partner personnel, were based at the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara throughout the operation. They coordinated real-time surveillance and intelligence efforts, directing surface and aerial patrols across the region. The RFSC team developed daily intelligence briefings using MCS tools and surveillance data, which were used to guide operations and inspections by national authorities and partner agencies. The operation also reinforced cooperation under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement, allowing joint action across maritime boundaries and information sharing.
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Mobile community services bring much-needed government aid to Paitan, Sabah
James Ratib (right) speaking with government agency representatives at the MCS booth in Paitan. Norali (left) looks on. SANDAKAN: A rural outreach programme led by the Sabah Federal Treasury has proven to be a lifeline for remote communities in Paitan, one of the state's most remote and rural areas. Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the Mobile Community Services (MCS) programme allowed direct access to federal and state government services in places previously beyond reach. 'Many residents here still struggle to access basic public services. This programme helps bridge that gap,' he said after launching the programme at the Paitan district office on Sunday (May 25). Located in the northeastern part of Sabah, Paitan has an estimated population of around 29,100 residents. It was officially upgraded to a full district on August 1, 2024, becoming Sabah's 29th and youngest district, a move aimed at improving administrative efficiency and bringing government services closer to its remote communities. However, the district still lacks many basic government facilities, such as a dental clinic and other permanent public service offices. The MCS programme featured service counters by 36 federal and state agencies, including the Health Ministry and the Agriculture Department. 'These kinds of programmes must be held more frequently in my area. This is a vast and isolated part of Sabah. Programmes like MCS deliver services swiftly and directly to the people,' he said. James also noted the significance of MCS in identifying gaps in permanent agency presence in the district. 'Now that Paitan is a full district, this is a good start. I was pleased to hear that a District Education Officer will soon be stationed here permanently. I hope other departments will follow suit, so that agencies no longer operate here on a temporary basis,' he said. Paitan district officer Joe Joloning Majambu echoed this sentiment, describing the MCS event as 'historic' for the district. 'This is the first time MCS is being held in Paitan and it has clearly benefited not just local residents but also those coming from outlying areas and islands. I am truly grateful to the Sabah Federal Treasury, especially Tuan Awang Norali, for their commitment in bringing this programme to us,' he said. Federal Financial Officer Norali @ Ag Norali Ag Damit said the programme was among the key rural-focused initiatives funded under Budget 2025. 'Altogether, we will be reaching 12 locations in Sabah this year. The main goal is to serve interior communities facing accessibility issues in obtaining government services,' he said. Norali said the next MCS events will be held in Kota Marudu – at Kampung Gana on June 18 and Magandai on June 21 – followed by a programme at Pulau Jambongan in Paitan on June 29.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Impact Day issued ahead of Sunday's severe weather threat
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — If you have outdoor plans this Memorial Day Weekend, make sure you are staying weather-aware as storms will be possible during the afternoon and evening hours. The Weather Authority has issued an Impact Day for Sunday from 12 pm until 7 pm due to the threat of strong to severe storms. This storm threat will be associated with a mesoscale convective system, or MCS, that will track southeast into the area from Arkansas. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the area under a 'Slight Risk' (level 2 out of 5) for the development of strong to severe storms. Following lingering showers and isolated storms Saturday night, the area looks to turn dry early Sunday morning. IF we see a lack of rain activity Sunday morning, it will increase the energy for afternoon storms during the afternoon. LOOKING FOR THE EXTENDED FORECAST? Click here to learn how to download the Live Alert 19 app The MCS will begin to enter NW Alabama by midday and then push southeast through the Tennessee Valley. Embedded in the cluster of storms, there will be a chance for isolated strong to severe storms. That storm threat will continue through the early evening hours. The MCS will form in Arkansas and then move into the Tennessee Valley. An MCS is a complex of storms on a larger scale that can travel for miles. The formation can be linear or round. The system that will move through the area Sunday will be round in formation as it tracks into NW Alabama before breaking down into a line segment. Storms that can develop on Sunday will be able to produce damaging winds over 50 mph, large hail, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall. With high values of wind shear, or rotation of the winds, there will be a low-end risk of tornadoes, especially in NW Alabama. If you have outdoor plans, you must have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and be weather-aware. Stick with The Weather Authority for the latest on Sunday's storm threat. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
