The Deputy Commandant for Operations (DCO) has released the “Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Strategic Outlook.” You can see the 40 page strategy document here. There is a short summary here.
The strategy promotes three “lines of effort.”
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Promote Targeted, Effective, Intelligence-Driven Enforcement Operations.
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Counter Predatory and Irresponsible State Behavior.
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Expand Multilateral Fisheries Enforcement Cooperation.
A press release is quoted below. Make no mistake, this is a very big deal, and it is pointed directly at China’s predatory practices that are impoverishing coastal states dependent on fisheries.
R 171209 SEP 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//DCO//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N16000//
ALCOAST 347/20
COMDTNOTE 16000
SUBJ: RELEASE OF THE CG ILLEGAL, UNREPORTED, AND UNREGULATED FISHING STRATEGIC OUTLOOK
1. Today the Commandant promulgated the Coast Guard’s Illegal, Unreported,
and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Strategic Outlook, which emphasizes IUU fishing as a
pervasive security threat to U.S. national interests. IUU fishing, if left unchecked,
will result in deterioration of fragile coastal States and increased tension among
foreign-fishing nations threatening geo-political stability around the world.
Tackling IUU fishing requires experienced, capable, and trusted leadership. The U.S.
Coast Guard is a well-respected global leader in maritime safety and security; able to
lead a unified force to cement positive change and promote enhanced maritime governance.
This Strategic Outlook outlines the Service’s vision to strengthen global maritime
security, regional stability, and economic prosperity with the following Lines of Effort:
a. LOE 1 Promote Targeted, Effective, Intelligence-Driven Enforcement Operations.
The U.S. Coast Guard will lead global efforts to detect and deter IUU fishing on the high
seas and in the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of partner nations. Through the innovative
use of intelligence, technology, data analysis, and information sharing, we will identify,
target, and interdict illicit actors in the maritime domain in order to disrupt corrupt
cycles of influence that enable illegal operations.
b. LOE 2 Counter Predatory and Irresponsible State Behavior. The U.S. Coast Guard will
prioritize operations and engagement in areas where our efforts are most critical to
demonstrate U.S. commitment and model responsible behavior. The U.S. Coast Guard will
shine a light on the activities of those who violate international rules-based order,
exposing and holding accountable the most egregious predatory actors.
c. LOE 3 Expand Multilateral Fisheries Enforcement Cooperation. The U.S. Coast Guard
will build and maintain lasting cooperation with key partners to empower regional resource
conservation and management. Working with U.S. and international partners, the U.S. Coast
Guard will assist at-risk coastal States and like-minded nations to develop and maintain
their own robust counter-IUU fishing capacity, bolstering their governance and enforcement
systems and affirming the United States as a preferred partner. Through targeted, persistent,
and collaborative efforts, we will sustain and strengthen connections with partner nations
supporting international oceans governance.
2. Each line of effort depends on Unity of Effort, Partnership, Investment in the Future,
and Innovation to succeed.
3. Under this IUU Fishing Strategic Outlook, the U.S. Coast Guard will apply our broad
authorities, capabilities, capacities, and partnerships to be a global leader in the fight
against IUU fishing. Working with partners in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), the Department of State (DOS), the Department of Defense (DOD),
and others, the U.S. Coast Guard will uphold a whole-of-government effort to advance
national interests in the maritime domain and promote economic prosperity. Through enhanced
engagement with like-minded nations and key maritime stakeholders, the U.S. Coast Guard
is ready to spearhead the global fight against IUU fishing.
4. More information and copies of the strategy can be found at: www.uscg.mil/iuufishing/.
5. POCs: CDR James Binniker at (202) 372-2187 or James.A.Binniker@uscg.mil.
6. VADM Scott A. Buschman, Deputy Commandant for Operations, sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
“Data initiative sets sights on tackling global ocean challenges, NOAA, Vulcan Skylight enter into public-private partnership”
https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/data-initiative-sets-sights-on-tackling-global-ocean-challenges
“Skylight leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to identify suspicious activity, cutting through the noise, helping authorities to focus investigations and determine proper action.”
However, Yozell expressed lingering questions over whether the U.S. Coast Guard was capable of carrying out everything promised in its new strategy.
“They haven’t received additional resources in their budget to handle IUU,” she said. “The Coast Guard is one of the most stretched agencies. That’ll be the big key. They can talk the talk, but will they walk the walk with additional resources to implement it?”
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2020/09/mil-200918-rfa01.htm?_m=3n%2e002a%2e2887%2ejj0ao001ud%2e2o1e
Palau invites U.S. to build military bases amid China’s influence push
https://ipdefenseforum.com/2020/09/palau-invites-u-s-to-build-military-bases-amid-chinas-influence-push/
“The note said the nation of 22,000 was open to hosting land bases, port facilities and airfields. Remengesau also suggested a U.S. Coast Guard presence in Palau to help patrol its vast marine reserve, which covers an area the size of Spain and is difficult for the nation to monitor. While Palau is an independent nation, it has no military and the U.S. is responsible for its defense under an agreement called the Compact of Free Association.”
Bet it would be a great posting!
Australia has provided Palau with a patrol boat. They probably will need continuing training and support to keep it operational and useful.
https://www.marinelink.com/news/austal-delivers-palau-patrol-boat-481802
A more general report on IUU. But a lot about the Coast Guard actions and IUU outlook. https://www.businessinsider.com/illegal-fishing-is-national-security-threat-us-military-officials-say-2020-9
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