Category Archives: Fisheries Management

“Trump Administration Opens Pacific Remote Islands Marine Monument to Commercial Fishing” –gCaptain

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Pacific Remote Islands Marine Monument. Map courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

gCaptain reports,

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday opening the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) to commercial fishing, marking a substantial change in U.S. fishing policy.

The proclamation specifically permits U.S.-flagged vessels to conduct commercial fishing operations within 50 to 200 nautical miles of the PRIMNM’s boundaries. This decision affects an expansive marine protected area spanning approximately 495,189 square miles in the central Pacific Ocean – a region nearly five times the size of all U.S. National Parks combined.

This would seem to provide additional justification for a Coast Guard base and cutters (presumably Webber class WPCs) in American Samoa to provide additional safety for US fishermen and to keep unwelcome foreign fishermen out.

Taiwan Coast Guard Vessel Arrives in Hawaii

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Patrol vessel of Coast Guard Administration CG 5002 Hsinchu at the launching ceremony. Official Photo by Makoto Lin / Office of the President, 28 April 2021

We have a report that a Taiwanese Coast Guard Cutter arrived in Hawaii on June 11. The vessel, Hsinchu (CG5002), one of a new class of four 5,044 ton cutters, was commissioned in December 2022.

This may be just a stop for supplies and liberty, but I suspect there will be some interaction with the US Coast Guard. Despite speculation, there was a denial that the ship would participate in RIMPAC scheduled June 26 to Aug. 2. Taiwan was not listed as a participant in a May 21 Third Fleet announcement of the exercise.

Reportedly the cutter will be engaged in fisheries management. This is well outside Taiwan’s EEZ, so I presume they will be policing and supporting the Taiwanese fishing fleet.

This background from Wikipedia,

In March 2021 the CGA and the US Coast Guard announced that they had signed a cooperation agreement, the agreement was promptly denounced by China. In May 2021 US President Joe Biden praised the cooperation agreement while speaking at the commencement of the United States Coast Guard Academy. The first bilateral meeting under the agreement occurred in August 2021.

“Coast Guard hosts Pacific Quadrilateral Coordinating Group on Oahu” –CG News

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Below is a news release from Coast Guard News. Looks like Western Pacific fisheries is finally getting the attention it has deserved. The “Pacific Quad” mentioned here (Australia, France, New Zealand, and the US) should not be confused with “The Quad” (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) which is an informal military association.

I am still hoping to see my “Combined Maritime Security Task Force, Pacific” formed.

Territory of France and its Exclusive Economic Zone. (Antarctic territorial claims in lighter tone). Credit B1mbo via Wikipedia.

If you are wondering why France is in this group, take a look at their Exclusive Economic Zone, above.

Nov. 3, 2023

Coast Guard hosts Pacific Quadrilateral Coordinating Group on Oahu

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard recently hosted the Pacific Quadrilateral Defense Coordinating Group from Oct. 9 to 11, 2023, focusing on enhancing maritime security in the Pacific.

The meeting gathered leaders from Australia, France, New Zealand, the United States, and the Forum Fisheries Agency. Rear Adm. Michael Day, U.S. Coast Guard District 14 commander, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, particularly in the context of regional challenges such as climate change and security.

“These face-to-face meetings and continued cooperation among our nations are not just strategic imperatives; they are lifelines to the people of the Blue Pacific,” said Day.

He further highlighted the impact of this collaboration, emphasizing the human element and recognizing the responsibilities of the larger nations in the Pacific, “We acknowledge the historical context, and while we do not seek to rewrite the past, we are committed to a future where the sovereignty and livelihoods of Pacific Island Countries are safeguarded. Climate change, followed by regional tensions, looms large as challenges we all face, and our shared responsibility is to address these threats. Our commitment to combating illegal fishing and ensuring maritime safety is not just about security; it’s about ensuring a sustainable and secure future for the communities who call the Pacific home.”

The Pacific QUAD was established in 1998, and brings together defense and security agencies from Australia, France, New Zealand and the United States in a mutual commitment to partnering with the Pacific Island countries to collectively enhance regional security.

During the meeting, discussions covered various topics, including their annual report, training programs, tactical calendar, information sharing and support for the Forum Fisheries Agency operations. Additionally, three new principals joined the group. Brig. Gen. Yann Latil (France), Air Comm. John Haly (Australia), and Brig. Gen. Andy Shaw (Aotearoa New Zealand).

The Pacific QUAD’s mission is to combat illegal fishing in the Southwest Pacific and collaborate closely with Pacific Island nations. The group operates at both a strategic and operational level, with annual and biannual meetings, respectively.

This year, examples of their collaboration included: an agreement with New Zealand, joint gatherings and strengthening cooperation with Australian Maritime Security Advisors, a successful search and rescue operation, and an international mass rescue exercise, highlighting the positive impact of their efforts on regional stability and maritime safety.

The Pacific QUAD, consisting of New Zealand, the United States, France, and Australia, annually rotates its principal chairmanship position as part of its collaborative approach. Last year, Air Commodore Darryn Robert Webb of New Zealand handed over the role to Rear Adm. Michael Day, who has now passed it to Brig. Gen. Yann Latil, the commander of French Forces New Caledonia. Latil is expected to transfer the responsibility to Air Commodore John Haly, the Australian Joint Operations Command, Director General Operations and Plans (J3), next year. This rotation underscores the ongoing commitment of the Pacific QUAD nations to regional stability and cooperation.

“After a very successful meeting in Honolulu this year, I am happy to take over the American coordination of the Pacific Quad’s work and I look forward to hosting my fellow principals and their teams in Noumea next year,” said Brig. Gen. Yann Latil, the commander of French Forces New Caledonia.

U.S. Coast Guard District 14, covering a vast area in the Central and Western Pacific, plays a crucial role in maritime safety, resource protection, security and national defense through partnerships and international engagement.

Buoy Tender, FRC, C-130 Used for International Fisheries Enforcement–Operation Southern Shield

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PERU, 10.06.2023, Courtesy Photo, USCG District 11
San Francisco based USCGC Alder (WLB-216) raises the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO) flag while patrolling the Eastern Pacific Ocean during Operation Southern Shield in October 2023. The Coast Guard recently completed the first high-seas boardings and inspections off the coast of Peru under a newly adopted multi-lateral agreement to monitor fishing and transshipment operations within the SPRFMO Convention Area, a region which encompasses nearly a quarter of the Earth’s high seas. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Honore)

Below is a District 11 news release. It came with 24 photos. I have included a few here. The captions are informative. I have edited some of the captions to include homeports and minimize duplication. I have also added a few links and the schematic below.

SPRFMO CONVENTION AREA
This schematic is available only to illustrate the Area of application of the SPRFMO Convention, which is described in legal terms in Article 5. The schematic is not part of the Convention text and has no legal status; it is not intended to reflect exactly the maritime spaces of adjoining coastal states.

PERU, 10.07.2023, Courtesy Photo, USCG District 11
The Coast Guard Cutter Alder approaches a squid fishing vessel while CG-2007, a C-130 from Air Station Barbers Point in Hawaii, flies over (upper left) during Operation Southern Shield 2023, October 2023. The Coast Guard recently completed the first high-seas boardings and inspections off the coast of Peru under a newly adopted multi-lateral agreement to monitor fishing
and transshipment operations within the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO)Convention Area. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

LIMA, PERU, 10.06.2023, Courtesy Photo, USCG District 11
The aircrew of the Coast Guard 2007, an HC-130 based out of U.S. Coast Guard
Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, poses for a picture with observers from the Peruvian Navy and Air Force, in Lima Peru, October 2023. During the course of two weeks, Peruvian observers accompanied the USCG aircrew as they conducted overflights of the fishing fleet on the high seas during Operation Southern Shield 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by pilot-in-charge, Lt. Zachary Hunter)

There was a Webber Class WPC involved as well. This follows the pattern of pairing a WLB with an FRC for distant operations that we have also seen in the Western Pacific.

PERU, 10.06.2023, Courtesy Photo, USCG District 11
The crew of San Pedro based USCGC Terrell Horne (WPC-1131) conducts a patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of Operation Southern Shield 2023, October 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

These operations followed an international exercise, GALAPEX 2023.

09.23.2023, Courtesy Photo, USCG District 11
Participants in GALAPEX 2023 pose for a group picture following a law enforcement boarding exercise during GALAPEX 2023, Sept. 23, 2023. Coast Guard Cutters Alder and Terrell Horne conducted a boarding of Ecuador Bae Isla Floreana as the first major exercise and introduction to GALAPEX, a recurring multi-national maritime exercise led by Ecuador and included participation with delegates from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the European Union, France, Italy, Mexico, Panama, Peru, the United Kingdom, and the United States. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Kimberly Byron)

09.25.2023, Courtesy Photo, USCG District 11
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Alder (background) transits in formation alongside Peru BAP (Buque Armada Peruana) Bolognesi (FM-57) as it prepares for the next exercise during GALAPEX 2023, Sept.25, 2023. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

 Oct. 16, 2023

Coast Guard Cutter crews conduct first high-seas boardings off the coast of Peru, under new SPRFMO measure

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The crews of the Coast Guard Cutters Alder, Terrell Horne and an HC-130 Hercules aircraft recently completed the first high-seas boardings and inspections, in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, under a newly adopted conservation and management measure to monitor and inspect fishing and transshipment operations at-sea in the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO) Convention Area.

As part of Operation Southern Shield, the Coast Guard conducted boardings and overflights within the SPRFMO Convention Area on the high seas off the coast of Peru. For years, the Coast Guard has executed counter-illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) fishing operations and participated in high seas boarding inspections (HSBI) around the globe. This operation was significant as it was timed to implement newly adopted rules in the SPRFMO Convention Area, which comprises nearly a quarter of the Earth’s high seas. The SPRFMO Commission consists of 17 members from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, as well as two cooperating non-contracting parties. The primary species targeted in the Convention area are jack mackerel and jumbo flying squid.

Just prior to Operation Southern Shield, the Coast Guard participated in GALAPEX 2023, a recurring joint and multinational exercise hosted by Ecuador and executed in the vicinity of the Galapagos Islands. The Coast Guard conducted communications exercises, practiced counter-narcotics boarding scenarios, and hosted observers from Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. GALAPEX culminated with full-scale exercises focused on a coordinated multinational response to counter IUU fishing. At the conclusion of the exercise, the Coast Guard patrolled south to focus on high seas boarding inspections off the coast of Peru.

“The U.S. Coast Guard remains committed to conducting combined maritime operations and exercises throughout the Eastern Pacific and will continue to capitalize on every opportunity to work with, learn from, and coordinate through our partners,” said Capt. James O’Mara, Chief of Enforcement for Coast Guard 11th District.  “The relationships our services build while planning and executing these operations are essential. The logistics required to enable these operations are significant, and it only happens with the tremendous support of partners like Ecuador and Peru.”

IUU fishing has replaced piracy as the leading global maritime security threat. Areas out on the high seas, beyond any country’s exclusive economic zone, can be exploited by fishermen engaged in IUU fishing, as they fish beyond the reach of most law enforcement entities. The Coast Guard’s actions provide inspection presence on the high seas among a distant water fishing fleet made up of more than 400 fishing and transshipment vessels. Much of the fishing in the Eastern Pacific is accomplished by these distant water fishing vessels, some which remain at sea for years at a time, and many of which are supported by transshipment vessels. The Coast Guard’s recent operation directly supported Central and South American partners and their desire to monitor and expand maritime domain awareness of fishing activity near their exclusive economic zones.

Each day during the operation a Coast Guard C-130 aircraft flew sorties over the fishing fleet on the high seas with observers from the Peruvian Navy and Air Force. The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Terrell Horne also diverted to assist the Peruvian Navy in a search and rescue operation. The Terrell Horne located the vessel, then transported an injured fisherman back to shore to receive further medical care from local Peruvian officials.

“The U.S. Coast Guard is committed to working with our allies and partners to strengthen the international fisheries enforcement regime and stop the pervasive IUU fishing threat,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander, Coast Guard 11th District. “Operation Southern Shield is just the latest example of that commitment, and we will continue to model and support rules-based order. We applaud the SPRFMO Commission for adopting these latest inspection guidelines and hope to see additional management measures adopted in the future to ensure the sustainability of our ocean resources. Last year we operated off the Galapagos, this year off the coast of Peru, and we will continue to deploy aircraft, cutters, and personnel to support our partners and monitor these distant water fleets wherever they roam. These operations help bring like-minded countries closer together to protect vulnerable fish stocks, support the economic stability of coastal nations, the livelihoods of small-scale and artisanal fishermen, and safeguard ocean resources that fuel global populations and economies.”

“‘Blue Africa’ Partnership Seeks to Curb Annual $10B Loss from Illegal Fishing” –USNI

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Comparison of Africa size with other continents. From Wikipedia, by Jacopo Bertolotti.

The US Naval Institute News Service reports, 

“Faced with an annual $10 billion loss from Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, West African nations are moving to work together to better understand and police their exclusive economic zones as a group, the head of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and Africa told USNI News last month.”

Not surprisingly the Coast Guard was involved.

The idea for a combined push emerged at the first African Maritime Forces Summit held in March at Cabo Verde organized by NAVEUR. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro and Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan represented the U.S. along with 80 other countries.

Fisheries management in African waters requires regional cooperation. As I noted in a 2014 post, among other problems, there are so many countries in Africa (54 countries, at least 32 with coastlines) that their individual EEZs are too small to manage fishing stocks. If one country attempts to rebuild stocks by reducing fishing, a neighboring country may take advantage of their sacrifice and undo their efforts.

The USNI post talks about replicating something like Joint Interagency Task Force South in U.S. Southern Command. The NAVCENT sponsored Combined Maritime Forces might also serve as a model. There is also the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation that might also serve as a model. Bilateral shiprider agreements could also be useful.

The Coast Guard has been working with African Nations for some time now.

“End of NASSE Operation 2023” –Sea Waves

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French frigate Vendemiaire, moored in Sydney Harbour. This 20 knot ship of the Floréal class looks a lot like a coast guard cutter. Photo by Saberwyn

Sea Waves reports the completion of a multi-national Fisheries Management exercise involving the US, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Fiji, from 20 June to 15 August.

The US Coast Guard deployed a C-130 to participate in the exercise. US vessels were involved but they were not identified. I am a bit surprised I have seen nothing from the USCG on this exercise.

The Sea Waves report appears to be a French news release. There is a New Zealand Defense Force view of the exercise here.

More on the developing relationship between Australia and France here. including an explanation of the “Pacific quadrilateral defense coordinating group* (PQUAD),” e.g., Australia, France, New Zealand, and the US, referred to in the post, as opposed to the “Quad,” e.g., Australia, India, Japan, and the US.

The French don’t normally have a lot of military assets in the Pacific. Much of what they have looks like coast guard, but they have the largest EEZ in the world and great strategic geography.

French Exclusive Economic Zone. Photo credit: B1mbo via Wikipedia.

This exercise is another step along the way to what appears to be inevitable international fisheries management and enforcement.

“The Compacts of Free Association and the Role of the U.S. Coast Guard” –CSIS

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Estimated exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). The EEZs of countries that are the Parties to the Nauru Agreement are shown in darker blue. Note that not all EEZs of PICTs have been officially delineated under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Source: Patrick Lehodey

(Before we start, CSIS also has a great overview of what has been going on in the Western Pacific/Oceania, “STRATEGIC UPGRADES IN THE PACIFIC,” that includes an interactive map. You might want to take a look at it if you want an update on what has been happening in the Western Pacific.)

The Center for Strategic and International Studies has a study proposing,

“One way for the U.S. to show value to the relationship is by aiding the FAS (Freely Associated States–Chuck) in combating illegal maritime activities, building maritime law enforcement capacity, and working with local government and civilian partners to conduct a range of maritime domain training using the USCG as the interlocutor.”

This seems to be encouragement to do more of what the Coast Guard is already doing as part of the aid package negotiations. But to do more, the Coast Guard needs more. US EEZ South and West of Hawaii is equal to 181% the size of the entire Atlantic Area (AA) EEZ, where more than half of all Coast Guard assets are assigned.

If we add the Freely Associated States:

Without considering the other eleven additional island states with EEZs totaling 7.3 times that of the entire Atlantic Area EEZ, the US and Freely Associated States alone have a combined EEZ 4.85 times that of the entire Atlantic Area, e.g., East Coast, Gulf Coast, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Permanently based in this huge area we have exactly three patrol craft and a buoy tender, and not a single Coast Guard aircraft.

Will the Coast Guard get the four additional Webber Class Fast Response Cutters on their Unfunded Priorities List? Will there be at least a fixed wing aviation support detachment?

A US Coast Guard base in one of the Freely Associated States could be a win-win.

Thanks to Paul for bringing this to my attention.

“Preserving Alaska’s living marine resources” –D17

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USCGC Bertolf class National Security Cutter off Unimak Island, Aleutians, Alaska

Below is a summary of District 17’s Living Marine Resources conservation and management efforts. There is also information about the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA), 1976, that resulted in the expulsion of foreign fishing vessels from a 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone even before the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea and about the North Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Center (NPRFTC) (one of five such centers) that “teaches the enforcement of Conservation and Management Measures on behalf of four international fisheries commissions and 62 signatory nations across North and South America, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa, covering over 80 percent of the Pacific Ocean​.”

April 20, 2023

Preserving Alaska’s living marine resources

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska supports some of the most abundant and diverse marine ecosystems in the world. With more than 46,000 miles of shoreline – more than all of the lower 48 U.S. states combined – the ocean is an integral part of Alaska’s ecosystems, economy, history and culture. According to National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) Fisheries of the United States 2020 report, U.S. commercial fisheries landed 8.4 billion pounds of seafood valued at 4.7 billion dollars, 199-million saltwater recreational fishing trips were taken, and recreational anglers caught one billion fish with 65 percent released alive. According to the 2019 report, commercial and recreational saltwater fishing supported 1.8 million. Alaska produces more than half the fish caught in waters off the U.S. coast, provides jobs and a stable food supply for the nation, and supports a traditional way of life for Alaska Natives and local fishing communities. Protection of the state’s 5.7-billion-dollar domestic fishery has never been more crucial.  

The living marine resources (LMR) mission is one of two missions focused on protecting fisheries in and outside U.S. waters. The Coast Guard is responsible for enforcing LMR regulations on domestic, commercial, recreational, and charter fishing vessels. Tasked with enforcing applicable fisheries laws in partnership with the NMFS, the Coast Guard’s goal is to provide the at-sea law enforcement presence necessary to reach national goals for LMR conservation and management. Vessel boardings are a critical component to accomplishing this mission providing an opportunity for teams to inspect a vessel’s catch, gear, and other items to ensure regulatory compliance as well as safety.

“The 17th Coast Guard District’s LMR mission is to promote a level playing field in Alaska’s extremely valuable commercial fisheries, protect resources, and ensure safety of life at sea,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jedediah Raskie, D17’s domestic fisheries enforcement chief. “The LMR enforcement mission is a complex operation requiring in-depth planning, multilateral partnerships and inter-agency collaboration. A continued at-sea presence is crucial, and this is only accomplished through dedication and teamwork with our enforcement partners.”

Those partners include:

Coast Guard – Coast Guard Cutters from Alaska, Washington, Hawaii, and California, Sector Anchorage, Sector Juneau, North Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Center, Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSSTs)

State – Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), local law enforcement

Other Federal – NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement (OLE), Department of State, U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Collectively in 2022, D17 patrolled 10,723 NMs, conducted 654 federal LMR enforcement boardings (11 on foreign-flagged vessels), detecting 30 violations on 26 vessels, and seizing catch on three fishing vessels. The top five fisheries violations include logbook discrepancies, no Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) permit onboard, expired or no federal fisheries permit (FFP) onboard, sea-bird avoidance gear not onboard or improperly constructed, and improperly marked buoys on fishing gear.

“Right now, our teams are heavily involved with enforcement surrounding the opening of Pacific halibut and sablefish season,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jedediah Raskie. “The Pacific halibut and sablefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program is the largest catch share program in the U.S. and comprises 90 percent of D17’s total fisheries boardings.”

With the IFQ program, each fisherman has a catch quota that can be used during the open season from March to November. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council developed this program to address issues associated with the race-for-fish that had resulted from the open-access and effort control management of the halibut and sablefish fisheries. Top IFQ violations include: not having an official logbook onboard, no IFQ permit and/or FFP onboard, illegally retaining and/or mutilating halibut, and failure to retain and/or log retaining Pacific cod and rockfish.

Background

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA) is the primary law governing mariner fisheries management in U.S. federal waters. The act’s keys objectives are to prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, increase long-term social and economic benefits, and ensure a safe and sustainable supply of seafood. Prior to the MSFCMA, waters beyond 12 NM were international waters and fished by fleets from other countries.

This 1976 law created eight regional fishery management councils responsible for the fisheries that require conservation and management in their region. The councils are charged with conserving and managing fishery resources from 3 to 200 miles off the coast while the State of Alaska manages fisheries that occur within 3 NM from shore. To learn more, visit  About the MSA — U.S. Regional Fishery Management Councils (fisherycouncils.org)).

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) is one of the regional councils established to oversee fisheries in the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). With a jurisdiction of approximately 1,025,000 NM, the council manages more than 140 species within 47 stocks and stock complexes, primarily groundfish in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands, targeting cod, pollock, flatfish, mackerel, sablefish, and rockfish species harvested by trawl, longline, jig, and pot gear. The council also makes allocation decisions for halibut in concert with the International Pacific Halibut Commission that biologically manages the resource for U.S.-Canada waters. Other large Alaska fisheries for salmon, crab, and scallops are managed jointly with the State of Alaska. More at North Pacific Fishery Management Council – Managing Our Nation’s Fisheries Off The Coast Of Alaska (menlosecurity.com).

To better enforce the fishery council’s management plans, the Coast Guard determined that region specific training was necessary to ensure boarding officers received adequate instruction in enforcing the increasingly complex laws that govern our nation’s living marine resources. The Coast Guard’s five fisheries training centers are dedicated to providing training in LMR and protected marine species law enforcement to eliminate natural resource degradation associated with recreational boating, recreational fishing, commercial fishing, and illegal incursions by foreign fishing vessels into our EEZ.

The North Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Center (NPRFTC) in Kodiak trains students operating across the vast and harsh environments of the Seventeenth Coast Guard District, to include the Arctic Ocean, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands archipelago, Gulf of Alaska, and the Inside Passage, an area that encompasses 3,853,500 SQ NM of sea and more than 47,300 miles of coastline. NPRFTC also teaches the enforcement of Conservation and Management Measures on behalf of four international fisheries commissions and 62 signatory nations across North and South America, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and Africa, covering over 80 percent of the Pacific Ocean​. NPRFTC personnel provide instruction to surface and aviation law enforcement crews, command personnel and supporting staff, and deployable specialized forces units. Upon completion of the training, boarding officers are then charged with carrying out the LMR by performing at-sea boardings to ensure compliance.

The nation’s waterways and their ecosystems are vital to the country’s economy and health. The Coast Guard’s LMR mission is to assist in preventing the decline of marine proteced species populations, promote the recovery of marine protective species and their habitats, partner with other agencies and organizations to enhance stewardship of marine ecosystems and ensure internal compliance with appropriate legislation, regulations, and management practices.

“Coast Guard halts illegal use of “paper captains” in WA-based tuna fishing operation” –D13 News Release

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Source NOAA: Albecore, Bluefin, Skipjack, Yellowfin, and Bigeye Tuna

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest

Coast Guard halts illegal use of “paper captains” in WA-based tuna fishing operation

ASTORIA, Ore. – The Coast Guard ceased the use of illegal foreign nationals on a commercial fishing vessel that operated out of the State of Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 19.

A Coast Guard Sector Columbia River law enforcement team inspected an 89-foot fishing vessel and determined that the vessel was in violation of the Jones Act – specifically, they were in violation for utilizing a “paper captain.”

Paper captain is a term applied to an individual listed on documents as a U.S.-flagged vessel’s captain but in actuality serves as a deckhand or in a similar lower-level capacity. It is the law (46 USC §12131) that a documented vessel be under the command of a U.S. citizen.

Many fishing vessels have engaged in a pattern and practice of hiring foreign nationals to serve on U.S. commercial fishing vessels in the capacity of captain, while U.S. nationals identified as captains on paper serve in subordinate roles. 

Many of these violations have been supplemented by underlying fraudulent documents designed to avoid detection and mask the illegal operation.

“The employment of a foreign national as captain aboard a U.S.-flagged commercial fishing vessel is illegal,” said Lt. Cmdr. Colin Fogarty. the enforcement chief at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, Oregon. “The practice of utilizing paper captains subverts U.S. laws and regulations designed to protect hard-working American fishermen and mariners.”

In addition to violating the Jones Act, the vessel had several safety violations including: expired Firefighting equipment; expired. degraded immersion suits; an inoperable Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) hydrostatic release: and failure to conduct safety drills.

The Coast Guard issued a Notice of Violation for $3,000.00 and the vessel’s Certificate of Documentation was rescinded for violating the Jones Act.

Since 2020, the Coast Guard has detected a total of 10 Paper Captain Violations, primarily in the tuna fleets that operate throughout the Pacific Ocean. In total, Sector Columbia River and sister units have issued nearly $40,000 in fines directly linked to employment of foreign nationals as captains.

Visiting Fiji and other Pacific Islands

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Naval News points out the apparent strong interest of many nations in West Pacific island nations, “Pacific Port Visits Show Regions Growing Importance: Expert.”

Certainly the Coast Guard has been calling on a these small island nations with significant regularity.

We are not the only ones visiting.

Type 071 LSD Wuzhishan of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) alongside in Nuku’alofa, Tonga with an Australian Canberra class LHD visible in the background. (Xinhua)

The post points to visits by USS Jackson (LCS-6), the UK’s HMS Spey (P-234), Japan’s JS Kirisame (DD-104) and India’s INS Satpura (F-48).

Somehow, I suspect of all these, the Webber class WPCs, like USCGC Oliver Henry’s recent deployment, are the most welcome, non-threatening, the right scale, not showing off, just trying to help.