Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has launched its fourth annual high seas patrol to detect and deter IUU fishing in the North Pacific Ocean.
Operation North Pacific Guard (Op. NPG), is led by DFO fishery officers and supported by the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Canadian patrol also includes representatives from the United States Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Fisheries Agency of Japan, and the Republic of Korea Coast Guard.
‘Through Operation North Pacific Guard, Canada is advancing responsible stewardship as a trusted convening partner to combat illegal and unsustainable fishing practices and support the long-term sustainability of our oceans,’ said Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson.
Fishery officers and support personnel will patrol over 15,000km of high seas while on board the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Sir Wilfrid Laurier. Over the course of two months, fishery officers will use their authority under international law to conduct high seas boardings and inspect fishing vessel operations, to detect IUU fishing and verify that vessels are complying with regulations.
In addition to monitoring and enforcement by sea, Canada has deployed a long-range Fisheries Aerial Surveillance and Enforcement aircraft to Hokkaido. The aircraft is conducting daily aerial patrols to monitor fishing vessels and support partner countries. Canada’s air surveillance programme has previously been successful in identifying significant conservation concerns related to shark finning and the harpooning of dolphins, as well as salmon retention, pollution, and violations of vessel marking requirements.
‘The Canada-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced by Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Takaichi in March recognised the importance of working together on maritime security and called for both countries to increase information sharing, reciprocal support for each other’s patrols, and training cooperation,’ said Ian G. McKay, Canada’s Ambassador to Japan and Special Envoy to the Indo-Pacific.
‘Through the annual deployment of Canadian assets and personnel under Op. NPG, Canada is translating these commitments into concrete action by deepening coordination and interoperability with Japan and other regional partners.’
