Six boats allegedly fishing illegally in one of Fiji's remote protected lagoons were local commercial operators, according to a commander involved in the operation.
A New Zealand navy patrol boat with Fijian fisheries officers on board intercepted the vessels in Qelelevu Lagoon during New Zealand and Fiji's latest maritime surveillance operation in Fiji waters.
The Commanding Officer of HMNZS Taupo, Lieutenant Ben Flight, says the owners of the customary fishing area - or qoliqoli - sent out an alert and his vessel moved in.
He told Sally Round the Taupo has intercepted dozens of vessels over the last month in Fiji waters.
HMNZS Taupo Photo: NZ Defence Force
