U.S. Coast Guard Joins Ecuador to Deter Illegal Fishing Off Galapagos
BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE 09-04-2020 01:31:04
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf recently completed a joint patrol with the Ecuadorian Navy to detect and deter illegal fishing in the vicinity of the Galapagos Islands, where a large fleet of Chinese fishing vessels has established a presence just outside of Ecuador’s EEZ.
From Aug. 25-29, Bertholf patrolled over 3,000 square nautical miles of Ecuadorian and international waters alongside the Ecuadorian naval vessel LAE Isla San Cristobal, providing persistent presence and surveillance of fishing activity throughout the region.
Information gathered during the operation was shared with Ecuador to strengthen its compliance efforts and boost awareness of potential IUU fishing activity, the Coast Guard said.
“It was a unique opportunity to sail together with the Ecuadorian navy, and we were impressed by their professionalism and dedication to the fight against illegal fishing,” said Capt. Brian Anderson, Bertholf’s commanding officer.
IUU fishing is a global security, economic, and environmental threat which undermines national sovereignty. Up to 27 million tons of fish are caught illegally each year, accounting for 20-30 percent of total global annual catch. Economic losses from IUU fishing are believed to exceed $20 billion per year.
“The United States remains committed to the international effort to combat IUU fishing and the illegal exploitation of the ocean’s fish stocks,” said Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, the Pacific Area commander. “The U.S. Coast Guard will continue to safeguard our national interests and build lasting international partnerships that promote the rule of law and sovereignty for all nations.”
U.S. Coast Guard, Ecuadorian Navy Conduct Joint Patrol off Galapagos Islands
Posted on by Seapower Staff
ALAMEDA, Calif. – In coordination with the Ecuadorian navy, the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf (WMSL 750) recently completed a joint patrol to detect and deter potential Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in the vicinity of the Galapagos Islands, the Coast Guard Pacific Area said in a Sept. 3 release.
From Aug. 25-29, Bertholf patrolled over 3,000 square nautical miles of Ecuadorian and international waters and conducted joint operations with the Ecuadorian naval vessel LAE Isla San Cristobal (LG-30), providing persistent presence and surveillance of fishing activity throughout the region.
The joint operation highlights a significant Coast Guard partnership with a South American country to detect, deter and ensure adherence to international maritime norms for fishing.
Information gathered during the operation was shared with Ecuador to strengthen future compliance efforts and gain greater shared awareness of potential IUU fishing activity.
“It was a unique opportunity to sail together with the Ecuadorian navy, and we were impressed by their professionalism and dedication to the fight against illegal fishing,” said Capt. Brian Anderson, Bertholf’s commanding officer. “This joint operation demonstrates the effectiveness and importance of our international partnerships.”
IUU fishing is a global security, economic, and environmental threat that undermines national sovereignty and weakens the international rules-based order.
Up to 27 million tons of fish are caught illegally each year, which accounts for 20-30% of total global annual catch. Economic losses from IUU fishing are estimated to be as much as $23.5 billion per year.
“The United States remains committed to the international effort to combat IUU fishing and the illegal exploitation of the ocean’s fish stocks,” said Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, the Pacific Area commander. “The U.S. Coast Guard will continue to safeguard our national interests and build lasting international partnerships that promote the rule of law and sovereignty for all nations.”
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