France plays a vital role in the management of its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Pacific, which spans an impressive 6.5 million square kilometers and encompasses territories including New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and Wallis and Futuna. This commitment supports sustainable fisheries practices and fosters regional cooperation.
French Ambassador to the Pacific, Véronique Roger-Lacan, highlighted France’s active participation in fisheries conservation via regional organizations. “Membership in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) strengthens oversight, particularly in the high seas,” she noted. The engagement of French naval vessels, registered with the WCPFC, plays a crucial role in enforcement efforts, while local territories participate in management discussions, preserving fishing access for their fleets.
Roger-Lacan also mentioned that the French Armed Forces support the operations of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) from bases in New Caledonia and French Polynesia. France collaborates with a coalition known as the Pacific Quad, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. Through this partnership, French naval ships and patrol aircraft partake in annual FFA surveillance missions, such as Operation Rai Blang and ongoing Operation 365. These operations encompass around 130 days at sea and 50 flight hours each year, covering close to two million square kilometers.
Regional expertise is bolstered by centers located in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, which offer support to the FFA’s operations through embedded analysts in surveillance and enforcement missions. This coordination enhances the capabilities of FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centres, reinforcing collaboration between French forces and regional fisheries authorities.
In addition to its fisheries initiatives, France’s military presence significantly contributes to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts across the Pacific. Approximately 2,000 personnel from 19 countries, including Pacific states, participate in biennial HADR exercises. Roger-Lacan noted that equipment and personnel are mobilized from New Caledonia to support other Pacific territories in these operations.
The exercises not only bolster regional disaster response capabilities but also enhance interoperability among nations. France’s role in HADR underscores its commitment to broader security and stability in the Pacific region. Continuous maritime and aerial patrols by the French Navy and Air Force ensure an ongoing presence in these waters, contributing to regional security, fisheries enforcement, and readiness for humanitarian efforts.
The ambassador stressed that these collective efforts maintain France’s strategic influence while promoting prosperity and security in the Pacific. France’s active involvement in multilateral Pacific frameworks, including the Pacific Quad and various regional fisheries and security groups, reflects its dedication to implementing regional norms and building capacity among Pacific nations. Through stable partnerships, the French territories remain integrated into Pacific governance, reinforcing France’s long-term strategic interests in the area.