France plays a crucial role in managing its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Pacific, which covers an impressive 6.5 million square kilometers and includes territories such as New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna. This commitment not only supports sustainable fisheries practices but also encourages regional cooperation.
French Ambassador to the Pacific, Véronique Roger-Lacan, highlighted the country’s active participation in fisheries conservation through regional organizations. She emphasized that being a member of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) enhances oversight, especially in high seas areas. The involvement of French naval vessels, which are registered with the WCPFC, is pivotal in enforcing regulations, while the local territories engage in management discussions to ensure access for their fishing fleets.
Roger-Lacan also pointed out that the French Armed Forces aid the operations of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) from their bases in New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Moreover, France collaborates with a coalition known as the Pacific Quad, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. This partnership allows French naval ships and patrol aircraft to participate in annual FFA surveillance missions, such as Operation Rai Blang and Operation 365, which collectively involve approximately 130 days at sea and 50 flight hours per year, spanning nearly two million square kilometers.
To further enhance regional expertise, there are centers in New Caledonia and French Polynesia that support the FFA’s operations, providing embedded analysts for surveillance and enforcement tasks. This coordination strengthens the capabilities of FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centres, fostering collaboration between French forces and regional fisheries authorities.
Beyond fisheries, France’s military presence plays a significant role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) across the Pacific. About 2,000 personnel from 19 countries, including various Pacific nations, participate in biennial HADR exercises. Roger-Lacan noted that resources and personnel are mobilized from New Caledonia to assist other Pacific territories during these operations.
These exercises not only improve regional disaster response but also enhance interoperability among nations. France’s involvement in HADR highlights its commitment to broader security and stability in the Pacific region. Continuous maritime and aerial patrols by the French Navy and Air Force ensure a persistent presence in these waters, contributing to regional security, fisheries enforcement, and readiness for humanitarian challenges.
The ambassador emphasized that these combined efforts help maintain France’s strategic influence while promoting prosperity and stability in the Pacific. France’s engagement in multilateral Pacific frameworks, including the Pacific Quad and various fisheries and security groups, showcases its dedication to fostering regional norms and building capacity among Pacific nations. Through stable partnerships, the French territories remain interconnected with Pacific governance, ultimately reinforcing France’s long-term strategic interests in the region.