- Australia to spend A$477 million on aerial patrols targeting illegal fishing.
- Move coincides with China’s expanding maritime activity in the Pacific.
- Australia strengthens ties with Fiji via new maritime security pact.
Australia is significantly increasing its aerial surveillance across the Pacific Islands, earmarking A$477 million (US$310 million) to counter illegal fishing operations.
This initiative follows a visit by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to Fiji, where Australia and Fiji signed a new maritime security agreement.
Pacific Push: Australia Counters Illegal Fishing and Chinese Influence with $310M Surveillance Plan
Australia’s new surveillance plan marks one of its most significant financial commitments to maritime security in the Pacific. The $310 million will go toward enhancing aerial patrol capabilities to track illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—an escalating threat to the region’s biodiversity and economies.
The investment is also a strategic counterbalance to China’s advancing presence in the Pacific, especially amid reports that Beijing is considering sending its coast guard to the area. Australia is responding not only with technology but through diplomatic engagement with regional leaders.
Prime Minister Albanese’s recent visit to Fiji underscores this diplomatic push. The newly approved security agreement with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka includes Australia funding a patrol vessel, bolstering Fiji’s ability to enforce maritime laws and monitor its territorial waters.
This move strengthens Australia’s regional partnerships and asserts its long-standing role as a security partner to Pacific nations. It also reflects Canberra’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy to promote stability, rule of law, and sustainable resource management.
Australia’s investment in Pacific maritime security is not just about illegal fishing—it’s a clear signal of strategic commitment to regional stability and trusted partnerships.
“The future of the Pacific must be determined by Pacific peoples.” — Anthony Albanese
