Joint Patrols Find No Violations, Highlighting Positive Compliance in Liquiça and Atauro MPAs

Joint patrol teams recently took to the water in Timor-Leste, sweeping through two key marine protected areas (MPAs) to monitor local resource use and enforce conservation regulations. Supported by the Coral Triangle Center (CTC), the operations brought together government agencies, MPA management units, and security authorities to keep a watchful eye on MPA Samba Sembilan in Liquiça and MPA Atauro.

On August 14, 2026, a joint patrol team composed of 11 members boarded a Marine Police Unit (UPM) vessel to survey MPA Samba Sembilan. Across the water, the team identified nine seaweed farming groups and seven fishing groups actively working within the MPA. The operations were checked against spatial guidelines and found to be fully compliant, with no zoning violations or illegal practices recorded.

The activity in MPA Samba Sembilan was carried out through collaboration among CTC, the MPA Samba Sembilan Liquiça Management Unit, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MALFF), the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL), the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), and UPM. This cross-sector collaboration is one of the most effective tools in strengthening surveillance and ensuring compliance within the MPA.

A week later, on August 21, 2026, a 12-person team launched a second patrol in MPA Atauro Operating from a speedboat from UPM Postu Beloi, the team navigated choppy waters to inspect local traffic. Rough seas kept general marine activity light, the team encountered one group transporting coconuts from Liran to Atapupu. Due to rough sea conditions, the group entered the waters of Atauro. The team also observed two tourist groups diving off Beloi Village. No violations of MPA zoning regulations or the use of prohibited fishing gear were identified during the monitoring.

Sea conditions in Atauro were relatively rough, resulting in limited marine activities during the patrol. Nevertheless, the monitoring was successfully conducted and provided useful information on resource use and tourism activities taking place within the MPA. The observations also highlighted the importance of regular monitoring, particularly in areas where weather and sea conditions can influence marine activities and access to the MPA.

The results of the regular resource use monitoring indicates growing community compliance with marine regulation across Timor-Leste. By maintaining joint patrols on the water, conservation partners and security authorities continue to build a strong defense of ocean ecosystems while ensuring that local communities can use marine resources safely and sustainably.

Writer: Asia Salsabilla, Egidio Boavida
Photo: Egidio Boavida/CTC