In response to escalating concerns about illegal fishing activities conducted by China’s distant-water fleet in the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has implemented a series of aggressive measures. The recently established Illegal Unreported Unregulated Fisheries Center of Expertise (IUUF COE) in Honolulu, Hawaii, now serves as the hub for U.S. initiatives to counter illegal fishing in the Indo-Pacific region.
To strengthen its capabilities, the USCG has introduced the Marine Environmental Response Regional Activities Center (MER RAC), a specialized environmental response unit that will provide guidance to partner nations in preventing and addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing within their waters. In a notable move, the USCG has also concluded a successful operation off the coast of Peru aimed at combating IUU fishing.
Recognizing illegal fishing as a paramount maritime security threat, the USCG has outlined plans to increase its presence in the Western Pacific, collaborating with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet. This initiative aims to support U.S. bilateral maritime law enforcement agreements with Pacific Island countries.
According to a press release, Rear Admiral Michael Ryan, U.S. Deputy Commandant for Operations Policy, emphasized that the focus on the Pacific region is intended to enhance the United States’ competitive stance against Chinese influence, especially in the remote expanses of the Pacific.
Operation Southern Shield, launched in October 2023, exemplifies these efforts, with Coast Guard cutters and aircraft conducting high-seas boardings and inspections in the Eastern Pacific near Peru. This operation aligns with newly adopted conservation and management measures in the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO) Convention Area, covering nearly a quarter of the Earth’s high seas.
Given that the distant-water fishing fleet, predominantly of Chinese origin, exerts significant pressure on the Eastern Pacific, the USCG is keen on addressing the challenges posed by these vessels. Operating at sea for extended periods, these vessels offload catch via transshipment without making local port calls, making enforcement difficult.
Rear Admiral Andrew Sugimoto, USCG 11th District Commander, affirmed the commitment to collaborative efforts with allies and partners to combat the pervasive threat of IUU fishing. Operation Southern Shield represents a tangible demonstration of this commitment, with the USCG advocating for a rules-based order and supporting measures to ensure the sustainability of ocean resources. As the USCG continues its operations, it aims to protect vulnerable fish stocks, uphold the economic stability of coastal nations, support small-scale and artisanal fishermen, and safeguard global ocean resources critical to populations and economies.
Source: SeafoodSource
