U.S. Coast Guard Stone to patrol illegal fishing in South Atlantic

The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Stone departed last week for a multi-month deployment to the South Atlantic to counter illegal shipping operations, the Coast Guard announced.

The USCGC Stone, a new Legend-class security cutter that completed acceptance trials in October, left from Pascagoula, Miss., on Dec. 23.

This deployment is the Stone's initial shakedown cruise following its delivery in November.

The Coast Guard describes this deployment, which began with small-boat operations and rescue exercises south of Florida, as the service's first patrol to South America in recent memory.

Operation Southern Cross is conducted in conjunction with U.S. Southern Command and will engage partners including Guyana, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Portugal, officials said.

In September 2020, the Coast Guard released the Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing Strategic Outlook, outlining the service's commitment to "leading a global effort to combat illegal exploitation of the ocean's fish stocks and protect our national interests."

"The U.S. Coast Guard is committed to the protection of living marine resources. IUU fishing threatens fish stock's health and adversely impacts those who follow global norms and national laws," Vice Adm. Steven Poulin, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, said in a press release.

"This is a global issue, and IUU is a problem too big for any one nation. Only by working together can we protect livelihoods, ensure ports remain economically productive, and support and sustainable fisheries industry. Stone's patrol demonstrates our commitment to the established rules-based order while addressing IUU fishing wherever a Coast Guard cutter is deployed," Poulin said.

U.S. officials have long been critical of illegal fishing in the Pacific, but similar concerns have emerged regarding the Southern Atlantic's natural resources, including sightings of Chinese and Asian fishing vessels off the coast of South America.

Those sightings have prompted Argentina to purchase new offshore patrol craft for its coast guard.

Related Links
Water News - Science, Technology and Politics

Tweet

Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.

SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly

paypal only

SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once

credit card or paypal

Brexit deal puts UK fishermen in uncharted waters
Ramsgate, United Kingdom (AFP) Dec 29, 2020
The fishermen of Ramsgate, a once thriving seaside town in southern England, had high hopes that Brexit would bring back the pre-EU glory days of teeming catches and lively fish auctions. Britain had insisted it wanted to take back control of its waters while EU coastal states sought guarantees that their fleets could keep fishing in UK waters. "We've been sold out by Boris!" fumed John Nichols in his Ramsgate cottage overlooking the English Channel, referring to Prime Minister Johnson. Nic ... read more